MY DEAR SECRETARY

Cinemavixion Review

Charles Martin's "My Dear Secretary" offers a charming, albeit predictable, romantic comedy that playfully subverts traditional gender roles for its time. Starring the capable Laraine Day as the ambitious Stephanie Gaylord and a young Kirk Douglas as the debonair but fickle writer Owen Waterbury, the film navigates the familiar territory of workplace romance with a clever twist. Day delivers a performance that balances vulnerability with steely resolve as Stephanie finds herself entangled in Waterbury's playboy lifestyle, only to eventually seize control of her own narrative. Douglas, in one of his earlier roles, effectively embodies the roguish charm that eventually gives way to genuine affection. The plot, which sees Stephanie penned into a corner by her boss and then turning the tables by becoming a literary sensation herself, provides ample opportunity for witty banter and situational humor, enhanced by a solid supporting cast including Keenan Wynn. While the film may not break new ground in cinematic innovation, it remains an enjoyable and well-executed example of studio-era romantic comedy, offering a satisfying exploration of power dynamics and personal ambition within the confines of a budding relationship.