''$20 a Week'' is a 1935 American melodrama film directed by Wesley Ford and starring James Murray,

Pauline Starke Pauline Starke (January 10, 1901Some sources say she was born in 1900. – February 3, 1977) was an American silent-film actress. Early years Pauline Starke was born on January 10, 1901, in Joplin, Missouri, the daughter of George W. Starke ...

, and

Gwen Lee Gwen Lee (born Gwendolyn Lepinski; November 12, 1904 – August 20, 1961) was an American stage and film actress. Lee began her career as a model before being discovered and signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She was typically cast in supporting ...

. It was released on February 2, 1935.

Plot

Sally Blair, a feisty young stenographer is in the employ of a Mr. Warner, an insurance agent who fancies his chances. She accepts a date even though she had made plans with the new salesman, Peter Douglas. Warner takes Sally to a nightclub and, in a private room, tries to kiss her. She retaliates by punching him. Warner, for reasons unknown, promotes Sally to his personal secretary. Later, at a wedding, Peter proposes to Sally. The next day, Peter's mother, who believes Sally is after his money, warns her to keep away from Peter. Naturally, they end up getting married.

Cast list

as Sally Blair * James Murray as Peter Douglas *

as Ann Seymour *

Dorothy Revier Dorothy Revier (born Doris Valerga; April 18, 1904 – November 19, 1993) was an American actress. Early years Born as Doris Valerga in San Francisco on April 18, 1904, Revier was one of five siblings of the famous Valerga performing fami ...

as Linda Davidson * William Worthington as Mr. Davidson * Andy Rice Jr. as Mac Tierney *

Bartlett Carré Bartlett Carré (July 10, 1897 – April 26, 1971) was involved in the film industry during five decades, spanning both the silent and sound film eras. He spent most of that time in production capacities, either as a production supervisor or mana ...

as Jimmy Dale * Glorian Grey as Mamie *

Bryant Washburn Franklin Bryant Washburn III (April 28, 1889 – April 30, 1963) was an American film actor who appeared in more than 370 films between 1911 and 1947. Washburn's parents were Franklin Bryant Washburn II and Metha Catherine Johnson Washburn. He a ...

as Warner * Vessie Farrell as Mrs. Douglas

Production

In November 1934, Rob Eden's story, ''$20 a Week'' was purchased by the independent producer Burton L. King, with the intent of making the film independently and distributing it through Ajax Distributing Corporation. The film was to be the first in a series of four pictures. By the end of the month King had formed his production house, Four-Leaf Clover Productions, and had signed Pauline Starke to star in the film. In December the name of the production company had become Ajax Pictures, and ''$20 a Week'' was the first of 10 films planned by the company. By the end of December 1934 the filming on the picture had been completed. In January 1935 it was revealed that John Murray was also starring in the film.

Reception

The Film Daily ''The Film Daily'' was a daily publication that existed from 1918 to 1970 in the United States. It was the first daily newspaper published solely for the film industry. It covered the latest trade news, film reviews, financial updates, informatio ...

'' gave the film a mostly negative review, calling Wesley Ford's direction "unnatural", and Al Martin's cinematography only fair. However, they did enjoy Starke's performance, saying that at times it rose "to excellent work", despite the mediocrity of the film.

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:20 dollars a Week American comedy-drama films 1935 comedy-drama films Melodrama films American black-and-white films 1935 films 1930s English-language films Films directed by Wesley Ford 1930s American films