Three Broadway Girls

Three Broadway Girls, also known as The Greeks Had a Word for Them, is a 1932 pre-Code comedy film featuring three of the era's most recognizable faces: Joan Blondell, Madge Evans, and Ina Claire. Directed by Lowell Sherman, and based on the 1930 play "The Greeks Had a Word for It" by Zoe Akins, the film is a light-hearted exploration of friendship, love and the pursuit of wealth among a trio of charismatic women.

Joan Blondell, fondly remembered for her blue-collar roles, steals the show as Jean Lawrence, one of three manicurists with a knack for charming wealthy men. Jean, however, is rather bold and shamelessly flirts her way into the hearts of her rich clients. Although she’s content with her current lifestyle, Jean dreams of having a wealthy husband, a fancy home, and a lavish lifestyle. She's quick-witted, cheeky, and never misses an opportunity to divert a man’s wealth her way.

Madge Evans, with her girl-next-door appeal, plays the character of Polaire Quinn, a less audacious but equally ambitious young woman. Polaire is beautiful, naive, and has a less aggressive approach when it comes to her patrons. Although she does hold a common dream with her friends of finding a rich husband, she's more concerned about falling in love and settling down. Polaire represents the romantic aspect of the three, often torn between her want for comfort and her need for real love.

Rounding out the trio is Ina Claire, who portrays the role of Schatzi Rutsen. Schatzi, the leader of the trio, is cunning, shrewd and sophisticated. She’s the most experienced and savvy of the three, having been married and divorced thrice. Schatzi is known for her plotting and scheming, often devising plans for the three to get rich quick. Her clever mind and manipulating strategies make this film exciting.

New York City harbors the fame, fortune, and the allure the three girls seek. Set in the heart of the city, Three Broadway Girls exhibits a panoramic view of the glitz and glamour of 1930s New York. However, beneath the sheen, the three girls grapple with their own personal concerns, ambitions, and morals.

Unlike the usual damsel-in-distress archetype, Three Broadway Girls showcases strong, smart, and independent women who are daring, decisive, and equally comfortable manipulating the men around them. The film challenges the societal norms of the time, portraying women who are not afraid to venture into romantic liaisons for their own financial gain. This uncanny depiction of women pleased audiences with its unconventional plot and characters.

The expertly written dialogue of the film is filled with comedy and sarcasm. The hairpin turns and unexpected tweaks of fate lead to various comical scenes. Each character, with their unique slant of humor, contributes to the film’s laughter quotient, making Three Broadway Girls an enjoyable romp through the frothy side of the early 1930s cinema.

The film's energy is firmly rooted in the chemistry between the three leads, who convincingly portray their shared history and friendship. Whether they're infighting, conspiring, or simply sharing a laugh, their performances ring true, and the camaraderie they display onscreen never seems to falter.

Director Lowell Sherman utilizes these energetic performances to enliven his fairly straight-forward plot, allowing the film's humor and charm to elevate the proceedings. The casual banter and the affectionate ridiculing among the women lends a layer of authenticity to the story, and Sherman's capable direction brings out the best in his ensemble cast.

Three Broadway Girls is a compelling ride that deftly combines elements of comedy, drama, and romance, all the while packing a punch with its exploration of female independence. If you're a fan of classic cinema, particularly of the capable hands of Joan Blondell, Madge Evans, and Ina Claire, this 1932 gem is certainly worth a watch.