Saleslady

Saleslady is a stirring movie from 1938 featuring the talented Anne Nagel, Weldon Heyburn, and Harry Davenport. Directed by Arthur Greville Collins, the film is a captivating blend of drama, romance, and corporate intrigue. Set against the backdrop of the competitive world of department store sales, it is a charming tale of diligence, ambition, sequences of power, and love.

Anne Nagel headlines the film as Marjorie "Maizie" Reynolds, an ambitious young woman who refuses to settle for less in a world dominated by men. Originally a poor window dresser at Martin's Department Store, her ambition drives her to reinvent herself into an assertive saleswoman with excellent selling skills. The smart and vivacious Nagel perfectly embodies her character, driving the narrative with a combination of tenacity and charm that effortlessly captures the audience's affection.

Weldon Heyburn plays the charismatic Jim Boardman, a sales manager in the same store Maizie works for. Boardman is suave and immensely successful, with an uncanny knack for identifying lucrative business opportunities much to the envy of his colleagues. However, beyond his professional veneer, he harbors a softer side that is revealed as he becomes spellbound by Marjorie's business acumen and entrancing personality.

The movie gets even more intricate with the introduction of Harry Davenport who portrays Pa Benson, Maizie’s father and Boardman's chief rival in the business. Conflicts and tensions rise as they are caught in a web of personal and business relationships, but the three navigate these challenges with a blend of wit and determination that underscores the film's overarching themes of courage and persistence.

Saleslady is not merely a film about the corporate ladder and how to climb it. It explores the gritty reality beneath the veneer of the cosmopolitan world of department store sales. The film is a criticism of corporate greed and the hunger for power, and it paints a vivid picture of the trials and triumphs of an ambitious woman in a man-dominated world, making it particularly relevant for today's audiences.

The movie excellently showcases the hardships faced by those at the bottom, their struggles to rise above their station, and the realities they must grapple with once they reach the top. But it also provides significant commentary on the power dynamics that shape the corporate world, offering intriguing observations regarding class and gender.

Moreover, the love story that blossoms amidst fierce business competition adds an engaging romantic element to the movie. The chemistry between Nagel and Heyburn is palpable, adding depth to the narrative and offering a stark contrast to the cutthroat business rivalry that forms the basis for the movie.

Loaded with comedic undertones, Saleslady also offers moments of laughter, providing the perfect balance to the movie's more serious aspects. While the core themes revolve around ambition, hard work, love, and corporate rivalry, the film also explores the nuances of personal relationships, jealousy, friendship, and the complex dynamics of family ties.

Throughout the film, there are noteworthy performances by the supporting cast, including sensational work by Henry Kolker, William Gould, and Vinton Haworth. Their contributions help in creating a well-rounded narrative that adds layers to the central storyline.

In terms of the production, one cannot miss praising the elegant settings and costumes which painstakingly recreate the stylish, opulent era, enhancing the film's appeal. Further, the tight screenplay and swift direction by Collins keep the narrative fluent and engaging throughout.

In conclusion, Saleslady is a classic gem from the 1930s, a movie that seamlessly integrates drama, romance, and corporate intrigue. Not only does it plumb the depths of ambition and personal relationships, but it also provides significant social commentary and a glimpse into the past's social and cultural milieu. For fans of classic cinema or anyone seeking a film with substance, Saleslady offers a blend of strong performances, compelling storylines, and valuable insights into human nature.