The Housekeeper's Daughter (1939)

The Housekeeper's Daughter Poster

A mobster's moll leads a newsman, cub reporter and photographer to a scoop.

Introduction
"The Housekeeper's Daughter" is a 1939 comedic movie noir directed by Hal Roach, based on the book of the very same name by Donald Henderson Clarke. The film involves lots of intertwining subplots, all revolving around gangsters, press reporters, and a house cleaner's child. The movie stars Joan Bennett, Adolphe Menjou, John Hubbard, and William Gargan.

Plot Overview
The story starts when Hilda, the house cleaner's child, played by Joan Bennett, returns house to pry her widowed mother away from serving her long time company, newspaper editor Robert Randall, played by Adolphe Menjou. Robert is an experienced criminal activity reporter, who has actually led an unsatisfied life due to his dedication to his risky occupation. Hilda had actually left home to venture out on her own as an independent woman, however her unsuccessful stint as a starlet led her back home. On her return, she quickly ends up being an object of affection for all the males around, especially free-spirited professional photographer Ed O'Malley, played by John Hubbard.

Intersecting Themes and Subplots
A significant subplot in the movie begins when free-spirited O'Malley assures editor Robert a front-page story to prevent getting fired. By possibility, he witnesses specific gangsters dumping a 'dead' body (that is in fact alive) and benefits from the circumstance for a career-saving scoop. This body ends up being Lefty, an amiable prospective gangster played by William Gargan, who ends up being captivated with Hilda. Hilda utilizes Lefty's crush to her benefit to entangle him in a scheme to supply a big news story for O'Malley.

Mutual Love Interests
Throughout the motion picture, there is a romantic interplay including O'Malley, Hilda, and the editor Robert. Hilda discovers herself loving the daring life O'Malley supplies, while O'Malley begins falling for Hilda. In a twist, Robert recognizes that he was missing out on a family as he starts to develop sensations for Hilda's mom who has actually invested a life time taking care of him.

Resolutions and Conclusion
The plotlines converge when O'Malley uses Lefty's tip-offs to expose a gangster's scheme, resulting in a chaotic finale including a shootout, high-speed chase and a climactic confrontation at the Randall house. Robert concerns a contract with Hilda's mom, resulting in the resolution of all conflicts. The movie concludes with Lefty and Hilda playing cupid for editor Robert and her mother while Hilda ends up with O'Malley.

Introduction
"The Housekeeper's Daughter" is a complex mix of comedy, romance, and melodramatic movie noir, which offers the audience chuckles and delights. All the characters and their subplots work gloriously together for a comical, awesome climax. The film is a fantastic embodiment of the 1930s drama with its ironical dialogues, slapstick funny occurrences and romantic tangles. From gangsters and crime reporters to a meddling housemaid's child, this film integrates different elements of suspense and humor, making it an entertaining piece from start to finish.

Top Cast

  • Joan Bennett (small)
    Joan Bennett
    Hilda
  • Adolphe Menjou (small)
    Adolphe Menjou
    Deakon Maxwell
  • John Hubbard (small)
    John Hubbard
    Robert Randall
  • William Gargan (small)
    William Gargan
    Ed O'Malley
  • George E. Stone (small)
    George E. Stone
    Benny
  • Peggy Wood (small)
    Peggy Wood
    Olga
  • Donald Meek (small)
    Donald Meek
    Editor Wilson
  • Marc Lawrence (small)
    Marc Lawrence
    Floyd
  • Lilian Bond (small)
    Lilian Bond
    Gladys Fontaine
  • Victor Mature (small)
    Victor Mature
    Lefty
  • John Hyams (small)
    John Hyams
    Professor Randall