The Hard Way

1943
Approved
1h 49m

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

Joan Leslie, Ida Lupino, and Dennis Morgan in The Hard Way (1943)

Embittered, ambitious Helen Chernen sees an opportunity to escape her drab small-town life by becoming a 'stage mother' to her musically-talented younger sister.

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Dark Romance Drama Musical Romance

Embittered, ambitious Helen Chernen sees an opportunity to escape her drab small-town life by becoming a 'stage mother' to her musically-talented younger sister.Embittered, ambitious Helen Chernen sees an opportunity to escape her drab small-town life by becoming a 'stage mother' to her musically-talented younger sister.Embittered, ambitious Helen Chernen sees an opportunity to escape her drab small-town life by becoming a 'stage mother' to her musically-talented younger sister.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 wins total

Joe Duglatz
(uncredited)

Jean Ames

Pudgy Girl
(uncredited)

Brooks Benedict

Guest at Embassy Club Bar
(uncredited)

Julie Bishop

Chorine
(uncredited)

Monte Blue

Man in Audience
(uncredited)

Roman Bohnen

Sam Chernen
(uncredited)

Virginia Brissac

The Dress Saleswoman
(uncredited)

Jimmy Butler

Boy
(uncredited)

Eddy Chandler

Police Officer on Dock
(uncredited)

C. Harry Clark

Working Man at Theatre
(uncredited)

Tom Coleman

Man in Audience at Play
(uncredited)

Director
- Vincent Sherman
Writers
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Per director Vincent Sherman, the film was based on dancer-actress Ginger Rogers' relationship with her quintessential stage-mother, Lela E. Rogers.

Goofs
Near the end of the film Dennis Morgan takes a seat to see Joan Leslie's play. He is seated next to a young woman. The next time the camera cuts to him he is in the same seat, but sitting next to an older woman wearing completely different clothing.

Quotes
The Morgan Twins: [in unison] Mr. Wade? We're playing in Jersey City. Can you catch our act? We're the Morgan Twins.
Max Wade: When you're triplets, come back and see me.

Connections
Featured in Hollywood Canteen (1944)

Soundtracks
Youth Must Have Its Fling
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by M.K. Jerome (credited)
Lyrics by Jack Scholl (credited)
Played during the opening credits and at the end
Sung by Gladys George at rehearsal with piano accompaniment
Reprised at a show and sung and danced by Joan Leslie (dubbed by Sally Sweetland) and chorus
Sung on a record by Leslie
Played as background music often

User reviews41

Review

Featured review

Great film; surprising acting from Jack Carson

This was a terrific film. I was riveted as I watched the story unfold. Ida Lupino, fast becoming one of my favorites, was absolutely magnificent as the stage sister, a "Svengali" using her sibling to propel both of them out of poverty. No wonder I don't go to the movies much -- I'd rather stay home and watch performances such as Miss Lupino's!

I was a bit confused by the blossoming relationship between Leslie's and Morgan's characters (though they both gave noteworthy performances). It could have been built up more, since I thought I missed something when the relationship evolved to its resolution. A small flaw.

But the best part of the film was an unusually strong and moving performance from Jack Carson. He is known more for his comic relief (I hate comic relief!) roles in such films as "Mildred Pierce." Heres, Mr. Carson presented a three-dimensional character that you could not help but feel bad for. A pleasant surprise which only added to a must-see film.