Peggy Shannon was a gorgeous Ziegfeld girl, who along with Sylvia Sidney, was recruited by Paramount to replace an ailing Clara Bow. 1931 proved to be Clara's worst year, finishing in an awful court case that exposed her "shocking" private life and just about finished her in films. "The Secret Call", from a play called "The Woman" by William C. DeMille, was originally bought for Clara but when she was forced to retire from it for health reasons, Peggy was given her chance.
Wanda Kelly (Peggy Shannon) is the privileged daughter of a high flying politician. She is going about with handsome Tom Blake (Richard Arlen) but before they can announce their engagement, she is called home by her father. He has been forced to resign and although innocent, has been made the dupe by a callous politician, Jim Blake - Tom's father!!! Her father commits suicide and Wanda is determined to bring Blake Snr. to ruin.
One year later Wanda is working as a switchboard operator in a big city hotel and is privy to the many secrets and indiscretions of the clients. When Benedict, (a riotous Ned Sparks - "a Bulgarian Boweevil"!!!) a reporter from the Bulletin, suggests that Wanda gives him some "news" in exchange for money, the stage is set for an exciting climax!!! Senator Stanton is opposing Blake's bill but Blake has some incriminating evidence of Stanton and a certain young lady visiting a roadhouse. Blake threatens to give it to the papers - he just needs the woman's name!!! The "secret call" is the woman's number and it turns out to be Grace - Blake's married daughter!!!
After only 2 days in Hollywood Peggy Shannon was rushed in to complete "The Secret Call" and she just excelled as the young girl determined to avenge her father's ruin. The film did well at the box office and Paramount saw in her a star in the making. She was given a contract but by the end of 1931 she was let go due to "difficult" behaviour. What happened??? Richard Arlen gave his usual dependable performance. Claire Dodd had a "bit" as a switchboard operator. Ned Sparks lifts the film considerably with his dry wit - "he's a half wit" " a half wit!!, that's right, go on and flatter him"!!!
Highly Recommended.
Wanda Kelly (Peggy Shannon) is the privileged daughter of a high flying politician. She is going about with handsome Tom Blake (Richard Arlen) but before they can announce their engagement, she is called home by her father. He has been forced to resign and although innocent, has been made the dupe by a callous politician, Jim Blake - Tom's father!!! Her father commits suicide and Wanda is determined to bring Blake Snr. to ruin.
One year later Wanda is working as a switchboard operator in a big city hotel and is privy to the many secrets and indiscretions of the clients. When Benedict, (a riotous Ned Sparks - "a Bulgarian Boweevil"!!!) a reporter from the Bulletin, suggests that Wanda gives him some "news" in exchange for money, the stage is set for an exciting climax!!! Senator Stanton is opposing Blake's bill but Blake has some incriminating evidence of Stanton and a certain young lady visiting a roadhouse. Blake threatens to give it to the papers - he just needs the woman's name!!! The "secret call" is the woman's number and it turns out to be Grace - Blake's married daughter!!!
After only 2 days in Hollywood Peggy Shannon was rushed in to complete "The Secret Call" and she just excelled as the young girl determined to avenge her father's ruin. The film did well at the box office and Paramount saw in her a star in the making. She was given a contract but by the end of 1931 she was let go due to "difficult" behaviour. What happened??? Richard Arlen gave his usual dependable performance. Claire Dodd had a "bit" as a switchboard operator. Ned Sparks lifts the film considerably with his dry wit - "he's a half wit" " a half wit!!, that's right, go on and flatter him"!!!
Highly Recommended.