Marian Marsh had a gorgeous doll like prettiness and in at least one of her films (the terrific "Five Star Final") proved she could act if given the chance. "Beauty and the Boss" seemed to be the last movie she made under contract to Warners, which shows they didn't take much time to groom and nurture her talent. Although it could have been titles such as "Under 18", "Beauty and the Boss" and "Daring Daughters" that kept discerning picture goers away.
Baron Josef Von Ulrich (Warren William) is a banker who has the perfect solution for separating business from pleasure. Whenever a secretary starts to show too much allure, he simply fires her, gives her 6 months wages then begins an affair with her. His latest conquest, Miss Frey (Mary Doran) is proving very demanding so when Ulrich hires Susie Sachs (Marian Marsh) he is delighted. She has all the attributes he is looking for - plain of face, she describes herself as "hungry and poor as a church mouse" - plus her only interest is in efficiency and hard work. Marian Marsh is just adorable as Susie the "human dynamo" who within 5 minutes organises the Baron as he has never been organised before. She also manages to keep his mistresses at bay and his mind on the job.
A trip to Paris and all the hard work is undone. Susie starts to feel there is more to life than just hard work and has an encounter with Miss Frey who tries to put her wise to all the tricks needed to hook a man (which Susie tries to use in a really sweet scene with the Baron). Susie's transformation is like Cinderella, when she steps out with Paul (David Manners) and Count Von Tolheim (the always good Frederic Kerr). Marian is absolutely radiant in a shimmering gown and with her blonde hair carefully marcelled. David Manners has another of his "nothing" roles. I have read he was never too keen on film acting and you can tell as he basically walks through his role. He has one scene where he confesses his love for Susie but you just know she wants a man of flesh and blood - a man like the Baron!!!
Directed by Roy Del Ruth who was Warner's work horse director. His credits were outstanding - especially to a lover of pre-coders. "Blonde Crazy", "The Maltese Falcon", "Blessed Event", "Employee's Entrance", "The Little Giant" - only a fraction of the films he directed before the production code meanies stamped out the fun. Always at his best working within the framework of a big studio, once he left Warners, he then went to MGM where he was responsible for musicals like "Born to Dance" etc.
Highly Recommended.
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