A successful shoe manufacturer named John Reeves goes on vacation and meets the grown children of his recently deceased and much-respected competitor; they're on the verge of losing the family legacy through their careless behavior. Reeves takes it upon himself to save his rival's company by teaching the heirs a lesson in business.
Acting
George Arliss's twinkly patriarch energy carries everything.
Costume
Fabulous 1930s leisure wear and factory-floor fits.
Director
John G. Adolfi
George Arliss
John Reeves alias John Walton
Bette Davis
Jenny Hartland alias Jane Grey
Theodore Newton
Tommy Hartland
Hardie Albright
Benjamin 'Benny' Burnett
Gordon Westcott
Fred 'Freddie' Pettison
J. Farrell MacDonald
Henry 'Hank' Davis
Pat Wing
Reeves's Secretary
Edward Van Sloan
Mr. Briggs
Claire McDowell
Benjamin's Secretary
Ruthelma Stevens
Mrs. Price
Harry C. Bradley
Reeves Company Board Member (uncredited)
Don Brodie
Hartland Company Salesman (uncredited)
James Bush
Tommy's Bridge Opponent (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of Bette Davis's rare early comedies before Warner Bros. figured out she was born for melodrama and villainy.
Made during the Depression, this film lets audiences fantasize about a benevolent millionaire fixing everything—while subtly validating wealth as wisdom.
US
