Friday, May 3, 2013

MORE THAN A SECRETARY (1936)

I might have been "pleasantly surprised" with the same year's ADVENTURE IN MANHATTAN, but I was pretty bored with this one.  The idea is promising...the owner (Arthur) of a secretarial school/business is curious why one of her customers (Brent) keeps returning her secretaries so she goes to investigate.  The owner mistakes her as a new secretary, but when she starts to correct him she notices how beau-hunky he is and takes the job!  That sounds hilarious, but it's not.

First off Brent runs a health magazine that borders on being a cult.  He forces his employees to exercise throughout the day, read mountains of health literature and eat nothing but bland health food.  Mmmm, a steak made out of "vegetables and mashed nuts"...sounds great!  In other words, this dude is a complete square.  But Arthur sticks with him and then when she finally gets him to loosen up a bit what does he do?  He goes out and bangs another secretary that's been ragging Arthur on how old she is!!!  Of course in the end everything works out great and Arthur and Brent hook up.  Lucky her.

The film isn't a total bust, there's a few humorous moments but for the most part I never even cracked a smile.  For hardcore Arthur fans only.  If you need me I'll be in my room watching THE MORE THE MERRIER.