"The Secret Call" is actually neither an "A" or a "B" production. It's actually a top of the program item that needs a good support, because it does not have enough power in itself to attract a multitude of customers!
Mind you, the script itself is an excellent one, although it is easy to spot the fact that is has been adapted from a stage play. For one thing, although it moves at a brisk pace, there are very few actual changes of scene. For another, the screenplay harbors lots of talk, as the main setting is the telephone exchange in a large hotel.
The stage play, "The Woman", was written by William C. DeMille (Cecil B. DeMille's elder brother). The main character, Wanda Kelly (superbly played by the tragic Peggy Shannon, who collapsed and died at her breakfast table in 1941, while her husband was aware on a hunting trip -- he killed himself only a week or so later) is in charge of the huge switchboard, manned by at least a dozen women, in this huge, expansive but expensive hotel.
Needless to say, such a setting begets a few sub-plots (the main one involves Richard Arlen), but they are all handled well.
The cast is a also a top one. Heading the line-up, as said, is Peggy Shannon. Richard Arlen plays Peggy's love interest.
Mind you, the script itself is an excellent one, although it is easy to spot the fact that is has been adapted from a stage play. For one thing, although it moves at a brisk pace, there are very few actual changes of scene. For another, the screenplay harbors lots of talk, as the main setting is the telephone exchange in a large hotel.
The stage play, "The Woman", was written by William C. DeMille (Cecil B. DeMille's elder brother). The main character, Wanda Kelly (superbly played by the tragic Peggy Shannon, who collapsed and died at her breakfast table in 1941, while her husband was aware on a hunting trip -- he killed himself only a week or so later) is in charge of the huge switchboard, manned by at least a dozen women, in this huge, expansive but expensive hotel.
Needless to say, such a setting begets a few sub-plots (the main one involves Richard Arlen), but they are all handled well.
The cast is a also a top one. Heading the line-up, as said, is Peggy Shannon. Richard Arlen plays Peggy's love interest.