Pre-Code Confidential #6: The Greeks Had a Word for Them (1932)
A series of posts where I take a look at some pre-code films that truly turn up the crime, sex, scandal, and sensationalism.
Take three plucky young city girls—whether in New York, Budapest, or Miami—add three eligible (or not-so-eligible) men, stir in a generous helping of wealth, glitz, and glamour, and top it all off with plenty of cocktails. The result? The sparkling formula behind films like How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), Moon Over Miami (1941), and Ladies in Love (1936).
Stories focused on three women give writers the opportunity to explore the complementary yet contradictory nature of female archetypes. These characters often align with timeless motifs like the mother, maiden, and crone—or, in the case of these urban fairy tales, the innocent, the temptress, and the wise woman. Together, these archetypes inhabit a modern-day Cinderella story where the ultimate prize isn’t always Prince Charming but instead upward mobility, luxurious living, and the promise of the good life. Each woman uses her unique personality to pursue her goals, creating a dynamic interplay of ambition, humor, and heart.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Screen Spectator to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.