The plot revolves around a down-on-her-luck woman named Mary whose lack of references makes it impossible for her to gain employment. When a friend falls ill, Mary impersonates her in order to take a job as secretary to an elderly socialite. Things immediately start going downhill when she is tasked to introduce a ne'er-do-well nephew to high society—but ends up bailing him out of a string of scandals instead.
Acting
Constance Talmadge's expressive physical comedy.
Costume
Glamorous 1920s flapper fashion on a budget.
Director
Roy William Neill
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Constance Talmadge was a major silent star who successfully transitioned to talkies, unlike many peers. Her sister Norma was even bigger—Hollywood's first celebrity siblings.
The 'reference' employment barrier was a real 1920s working-class crisis; this comedy accidentally documents how women navigated impossible gatekeeping.
US
