This is certainly not one of the more famous films made by Joan Crawford in her long career, but I wish it was because in many ways she parodies the hard as nails image she strongly cultivated in films. The movie begins with the fascist-like Crawford at a board meeting for a corporation she heads. You can tell right away that she is the stereotypical hard working, sex loathing, female image common in some 1940s films. In fact, in many ways, she seems like a 1940s version of Scrooge--though perhaps a bit less likable!! Into this rigid and career-driven world arrives Melvin Douglas--a writer who is doing a book on the way this corporation mistreats the employees. Crawford is angered by this, but considering it's all true and her actions fuel the fire, there isn't much she can do. Douglas also enjoys baiting and irritating Crawford--once again, because she makes this so much fun! In many ways, this film is reminiscent of the wonderful DEVIL AND MISS JONES, as later, Crawford attends an employee function and is accepted with open arms--because they have no idea she's their hated boss! And, like this other film, it's a good comedy with plenty to make audiences happy. The only serious deficit is that the ending is drawn out way too long and could have benefited from a trimming.
All the actors were just fine, though I was particularly impressed by Bilie Burke's supporting role. Unlike most of her films, she was much more restrained and less annoying than usual--this time, she was a very welcome addition.
By the way, a few final observations. First, when the doctor was describing the symptoms of falling in love, he actually described symptoms of schizophrenia! Also, there is a mistake in that the alarm that CONSTANTLY goes off at night on the trucks only occurs at the beginning of the film. Later, at the same time of night, the alarm is strangely silent.
