Apple Annie (Mary Robson), a depression-era apple peddler who works the streets of New York with other down-and-outs, learns that her estranged daughter Louise (Jean Parker), who is under the belief that her mother is a 'high-society' lady in Manhattan, is coming to visit from Europe with her betrothed and wealthy father-in-law-to-be. Based on a story by Damon Runyon, Annie's plight gets the full Frank Capra 'feel-good' treatment, as shady gambler 'Dave the Dude' (Warren William) and his crew agree to pass the elderly, alcoholic (?), street vender off as a 'lady for a day'. Admittedly the plot is a bit far-fetched but the characters and script are great (especially nasal pessimist 'Happy' (Ned Sparks) and big, dim palooka 'Shakespeare' (Nat Pendleton)). The film was released just prior to Hays-code enforcement so Annie, a sympathetic and clearly beloved character, is allowed to admit to being an unwed mother and no one can see any reason that 'Pierre the stylist' can't join the women in Annie's boudoir for the 'makeover'. Runyon's street-level fables of gamblers, dolls, and ne'er-do-wells make for fun throwback entertainment and 'Lady for a Day' is no exception. A classic Capra 'spoon full of sugar', even the slightly cynical 'twist ending' I was confidently expecting failed to manifest.
Review of Lady for a Day
