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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.
Play trailer2:10
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99+ Photos
Dark RomanceDramaMusicalRomance

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.

  • Director
    • Vincent Sherman
  • Writers
    • Daniel Fuchs
    • Peter Viertel
    • Jerry Wald
  • Stars
    • Ida Lupino
    • Joan Leslie
    • Dennis Morgan
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    1.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Vincent Sherman
    • Writers
      • Daniel Fuchs
      • Peter Viertel
      • Jerry Wald
    • Stars
      • Ida Lupino
      • Joan Leslie
      • Dennis Morgan
    • 41User reviews
    • 7Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:10
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    Photos105

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    Top cast84

    Edit
    Ida Lupino
    Ida Lupino
    • Mrs. Helen Chernen
    Joan Leslie
    Joan Leslie
    • Katherine 'Katie' Blaine
    Dennis Morgan
    Dennis Morgan
    • Paul Collins
    Jack Carson
    Jack Carson
    • Albert Runkel
    Gladys George
    Gladys George
    • Lily Emery
    Faye Emerson
    Faye Emerson
    • Ice Cream Parlor Waitress
    Paul Cavanagh
    Paul Cavanagh
    • John 'Jack' Shagrue
    Murray Alper
    Murray Alper
    • Joe Duglatz
    • (uncredited)
    Jean Ames
    Jean Ames
    • Pudgy Girl
    • (uncredited)
    Brooks Benedict
    Brooks Benedict
    • Guest at Embassy Club Bar
    • (uncredited)
    Julie Bishop
    Julie Bishop
    • Chorine
    • (uncredited)
    Monte Blue
    Monte Blue
    • Man in Audience
    • (uncredited)
    Roman Bohnen
    Roman Bohnen
    • Sam Chernen
    • (uncredited)
    Virginia Brissac
    Virginia Brissac
    • The Dress Saleswoman
    • (uncredited)
    Jimmy Butler
    Jimmy Butler
    • Boy
    • (uncredited)
    Eddy Chandler
    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
      • Daniel Fuchs
      • Peter Viertel
      • Jerry Wald
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • 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
    Review
    Featured review
    7/10

    To escape a life of pity; a sisterly push.

    This movie is highly under rated. At the time of production, director Vincent Sherman agreed with his star, Ida Lupino; will this project hold up? The answer is...yes. The finale could be reworked a bit, but this film is appreciated more now with age.

    Joan Leslie plays a young woman that has suffered a dismal life until it is discovered that she has enough talent to try the stage. Lupino is the overbearing, older sister that pushes her little sister to stardom. Soon the two woman are competing for the glory.

    Good song and dance movie, evocative of the times.

    Also features; Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson and Paul Cavanagh.
    • michaelRokeefe
    • Nov 6, 2000
    • Permalink

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    FAQ17

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 20, 1943 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Karriär på Broadway
    • Filming locations
      • Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Warner Bros.
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 49 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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