HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY

Cinemavixion Review

Phil Whitman's 1933 romantic comedy, "His Private Secretary," offers a lighthearted, albeit formulaic, look at societal expectations and familial discord in the early 20th century. The film centers on Dick Wallace, a wealthy heir with a penchant for the 'wine, women, and song' his stern father so vehemently disapproves of. Their dynamic takes a turn when Dick elopes with Marion Hall, the granddaughter of a minister, whom his father promptly dismisses as a gold-digger. The narrative gains traction when Marion, under her maiden name, secures a position as the senior Mr. Wallace's secretary. This setup provides ample opportunity for comedic misunderstandings and awkward encounters as Dick struggles to introduce his new wife to his skeptical father. The plot, while predictable, is executed with a charming earnestness, bolstered by the performances of Evalyn Knapp and John Wayne, who, even in his early career, shows glimmers of the charisma that would define his stardom. Reginald Barlow as the elder Wallace provides a stern, yet understandable, paternal counterpoint. While "His Private Secretary" may not break new ground in cinematic storytelling, it serves as a pleasant diversion, capturing the romantic sensibilities and comedic rhythms of its era. It's a gentle reminder of the enduring appeal of mistaken identities and the eventual triumph of love over parental prejudice.