The Hard Way (1943 film)

The Hard Way

Theatrical Poster
Directed by Vincent Sherman
Produced by Jerry Wald
Screenplay by Daniel Fuchs
Peter Viertel
Story by Jerry Wald
Starring Ida Lupino
Dennis Morgan
Joan Leslie
Music by Heinz Roemheld
Cinematography James Wong Howe
Edited by Thomas Pratt
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release dates
  • February 20, 1943 (1943-02-20)
Running time
 109 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $1.5 million (US rentals)[1]

The Hard Way is a 1943 Warner Bros. musical drama film directed by Vincent Sherman. The film was based on a story by Irwin Shaw which was reportedly based on Ginger Rogers' relationship with her first husband, Jack Pepper (whom she married in 1928 at age 17) and her own mother, Lela.[2]

Plot

Ida Lupino as Mrs. Helen Chernen

Helen Chernen (Ida Lupino) is an ambitious woman, determined to once and for all become rich. She pushes her younger sister Katie (Joan Leslie) into a marriage with singer/dancer Albert Runkel (Jack Carson). Katie has no interest in the man, but is desperate to leave the poor conditions she and her sister live in, a dirty steel town. Runkel's partner Paul Collins (Dennis Morgan) sees what Helen's real intentions are and tries to stop her from breaking Runkel's heart.

Now living in wealthier surroundings, Helen tries to make a start of Katie's career. She is able to put her on a Broadway play. Katie soon becomes a successful singer and actress, while Collins and Runkel's act flounders. Runkel can't bear the idea of his wife having more success than himself. Also annoyed with Helen's efforts to destroy his marriage, he eventually kills himself.

Meanwhile, Katie's popularity rises to her head and she becomes a wild party girl. Her behavior eventually costs her her career. They later meet up with Paul, who is now a successful band leader. He falls in love with Katie and they start a relationship. However, things get complicated when Helen reveals she is in love with him as well.

Cast

Ida Lupino as Mrs. Helen Chernen Joan Leslie as 'Katie' Blaine
Dennis Morgan as Paul Collins Jack Carson as Albert Runkel

Production

Both Bette Davis and Ginger Rogers were initially offered the role of Helen, but both declined. Ida Lupino was then cast. Shaw wanted Howard Hawks or William Wyler to direct the film, but since they were busy with other projects producer Jerry Wald hired Vincent Sherman. Portions of a documentary film by Pare Lorentz were used to represent the mining town of Green Hill. To achieve a more realistic feel during the scenes that took place in Green Hill, neither Lupino nor Leslie wore makeup. The film's first and last scenes were added at Jack L. Warner's insistence that Lupino appear more glamorous in the opening scene.

Soundtrack

Awards

Ida Lupino was awarded a New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for her role in the film.

References

  1. ↑ "Top Grossers of the Season", Variety, 5 January 1944 p 54
  2. ↑ Studio Affairs: My Life as a Film Director, by Vincent Sherman, page 110
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