Behind Office Doors

Behind Office Doors is a pre-Code drama from 1931, directed by Melville W. Brown and starring Mary Astor, Robert Ames, and Ricardo Cortez. The film follows the story of Mary Linden (played by Astor), a secretary who is determined to climb the corporate ladder and make a name for herself in the business world.

Mary is hired as the personal secretary to John R. Forbes (played by Ames), a successful businessman who is married to the boss's daughter. John is initially dismissive of Mary and her abilities, but soon comes to rely heavily on her for both personal and professional matters.

As Mary proves herself to be an invaluable asset to John's business, she also finds herself developing feelings for her boss. However, John is already married and seems unwilling to give up his comfortable lifestyle.

Enter Walter (played by Cortez), an ambitious rival of John's who takes notice of Mary's talents and begins to woo her away from her boss. Mary is torn between her loyalty to John and her growing feelings for Walter, as well as her desire to succeed in the business world, which traditionally has been dominated by men.

What follows is a tense and complicated love triangle that tests the characters' ethics and morals. With themes of power dynamics, gender roles, and the intricacies of office politics, Behind Office Doors delves into the world of corporate America and the personal sacrifices that come with success.

Mary Astor delivers a riveting performance as the driven and intelligent secretary, while Robert Ames brings depth and complexity to his portrayal of John, a flawed and conflicted businessman. Ricardo Cortez, known for his roles in several other pre-Code films, shines as Walter, the smooth-talking rival who threatens to upend the entire office dynamic.

While the film may seem dated in some respects, it remains a fascinating look at the workplace culture of the early 20th century and the gender barriers that women faced in the corporate world. The movie also serves as a potent reminder of the power dynamics that exist in any workplace, even today.

Overall, Behind Office Doors is a captivating drama that will keep the viewer engaged from beginning to end. Its strong performances and socially relevant themes make it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.