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| Romance in Manhattan | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Stephen Roberts |
| Screenplay by |
Jane Murfin Edward Kaufman |
| Story by |
Norman Krasna Don Hartman |
| Produced by | Pandro S. Berman |
| Starring |
Francis Lederer Ginger Rogers |
| Cinematography | Nicholas Musuraca |
| Edited by | Jack Hively |
| Music by | Alberto Colombo |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Romance in Manhattan is a 1935 American romantic comedy film directed by Stephen Roberts, starring Francis Lederer and Ginger Rogers, and released by RKO Radio Pictures.
Plot
Karel Novak (Lederer), an incredibly naive Czech immigrant, arrives in New York with $58; but now he must have $200 or be sent back. Novak escapes from the ship and is rescued by dock workers; but he loses his money. He wanders the streets and eats food left by chorus girls. Sylvia Dennis (Rogers) questions him. He refuses money but wants a job. Two women suggest an institution for Sylvia's brother Frank ( Jimmy Butler), because he missed two days of school. Sylvia says no. Sylvia gives Karel blankets to sleep on the roof, and she explains about the Depression. Frank shares his job selling newspapers with Karel and takes over after school. Karel does not admit he was fished out of the river and so does not get his $58 back. He asks the police officer Murphy ( J. Farrell MacDonald) if someone could get in trouble for helping someone if they didn't know he was an illegal alien.
Karel shows Sylvia his taxi; but she says her show has closed. He is glad to be the head of the house for his friend. Karel comes home early because of a strike and helps Sylvia with the washing. She hopes to marry a rich man; but he kisses her. The two women ask the landlady if Novak is living in Sylvia's apartment. Sylvia goes to court for Frank. The judge ( Oscar Apfel) says she is 19 and asks about Novak, who explains the situation is innocent. The judge says Sylvia must give up Frank to an institution until she is married.
Frank packs; Karel walks out, and Sylvia cries. Karel goes to Murphy and asks how to get married. Murphy says he only needs $2 and maybe his naturalization papers. So Karel goes to attorney Halsey J. Pander ( Arthur Hohl), who asks for $50 and promises to make him a citizen right away. Karel goes back to drive a taxi even though he gets beat up because of the strike. Sylvia tells Karel that she and Frank are leaving. Karel asks her to marry him. Sylvia says no but changes her mind. A man comes to take Frank. Karel tells Sylvia he is in the country illegally but expects to be made a citizen. Karel is arrested, as Pander is turning him in for money. Murphy intervenes, and the police sergeant ( Sidney Toler) makes calls to arrange a marriage license and to hire a minister ( Donald Meek). Murphy arrests Pander for speeding and calls a friend in Immigration. At the police station, Pander's arraignment for drunk driving and assorted other made-up offenses, the over-the-phone immigration paperwork, filling out the marriage license, and a doctor's physical examination and vaccination of Karel, and the wedding itself, all take place simultaneously, with comic pauses and interruptions. The ceremony is at last completed, and Karel and Sylvia are married.
Cast
- Francis Lederer as Karel Novak
- Ginger Rogers as Sylvia Dennis
- Arthur Hohl as Halsey J. Pander
- Jimmy Butler as Frank Dennis
- J. Farrell MacDonald as Officer Murphy
- Helen Ware as Miss Anthrop
- Lillian Harmer as Mrs. Schultz ( Landlady)
- Eily Malyon as Miss Evans
- Donald Meek as the Minister
- Sidney Toler as the Police Sergeant
- Oscar Apfel as the Judge
- Reginald Barlow as the Customs Inspector
