The Girl from Woolworth's
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Musical romance film |
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The Girl from Woolworth's is a 1929 American pre-Code musical romance film featuring full sound, directed by William Beaudine, and starring Alice White, Gladden James, and Bert Moorhouse. The film was issued in both a sound version and a slightly condensed silent edition.
In her book Remembering Woolworth's: A Nostalgic History of the World's Most Famous Five-and-Dime, Karen Plunkett-Powell notes that First National Pictures created this 60-minute musical primarily to highlight the talents of emerging actress Alice White. White portrays a singing sales clerk working in the music section of a Woolworth's store.
Cast
- Alice White as Pat King
- Charles Delaney as Bill Harigan
- Wheeler Oakman as Lawrence Mayfield
- Rita Flynn as Tillie Hart
- Gladden James as Dowling
- Bert Moorhouse as Dave
- Patricia Caron as Cleo
- William Orlamond as Pa Donnelly
- Milla Davenport as Ma Donnelly
- Ben Hall as Jerry Donelly
Plot
During a lively gathering, Daisy King (Alice White) is introduced as a vocalist and delivers a song just as Bill Harrigan (Charles Delaney) arrives. Although Daisy leaves a strong impression on Bill, she pays little attention to him. Bill assumes Daisy is a professional performer and mentions he is a traveling salesman.
The following day, Daisy encounters Bill again on the subway where he works as a guard. When Daisy accidentally leaves her handbag on the train, Bill finds it and, learning from an identification card that she is a sales clerk at Woolworth’s five-and-dime, returns it to her at the store counter. Grateful for his kindness, Daisy consents to go out to dinner with him.
Their evening unfolds at the elegant Mayfield Club where Lawrence Mayfield (Wheeler Oakman), the proprietor, notices Daisy and invites her to his office with an offer to perform at his club. While Bill disapproves of this opportunity, Daisy is excited by the chance to achieve stardom. That night, Bill proposes marriage, but Daisy remains focused on her ambitions.
Just after accepting Bill’s proposal, Daisy receives a telegram from Mayfield summoning her for rehearsal. She immediately leaves for the club, leaving Bill behind. When Bill arrives searching for her, Tillie Hart (Rita Flynn), Daisy’s witty and devoted roommate, explains the circumstances. Angered, Bill storms off toward the club.
Concerned that Bill might cause trouble, Tillie attempts to call ahead but fails to reach anyone. On her way there, she witnesses Bill’s automobile accident and discovers he has been hospitalized. Rushing back to inform Daisy just before her major performance debut, Tillie finds Daisy torn but determined to proceed. Despite tears, Daisy gives a captivating performance that wins over the audience.
Afterwards in her dressing room, Mayfield makes an unwelcome advance by locking the door and pushing Tillie out. At that moment, Bill arrives with his arm in a sling and bandages covering his face from the crash injuries. He strikes Mayfield with his uninjured arm and quickly escorts Daisy away.
As they depart together, Daisy tearfully confesses to Bill, "You’re all the career I want."
Music
The motion picture included four musical numbers composed by George W. Meyer with lyrics written by Al Bryan. The titles of these songs are as follows:
- "Someone"
- "Oh! Oh! Oh! What I Know About Love"
- "You Baby Me, I'll Baby You"
- "Crying for Love"
Status
This film is currently classified as a lost work.
See also
References
Bibliography
- Marshall, Wendy L. William Beaudine: From Silents to Television. Scarecrow Press, 2005.