The Devil And Miss Jones (1941)

The wealthy owner (Charles Coburn, Oscar nominated for his work here) of a major department store goes undercover and works in his own store in order to discover who the agitators are that are attempting to form a union so that he can fire them. But things start to change when he becomes involved with the store's employees particularly a pert clerk (Jean Arthur) in the shoe department. This delightful comedy exemplifies what is referred to as the Hollywood "golden age" at its best. Norman Krasna's Oscar nominated screenplay manages to mix wit and charm with a progressive message and director Sam Wood (A NIGHT AT THE OPERA) easily coaxes first rate comedic performances from Coburn (whose picture this is) and Arthur. Even the vapid Robert Cummings manages to be less offensive than usual. It's not talked about as often as other screwballs from the same year as BALL OF FIRE and THE PHILADELPHIA STORY but it's every bit as good and in PHILADELPHIA's case, a darn sight better I'd say. The supporting cast is chock full of terrific character actors like Edmund Gwenn, Spring Byington, S.Z. Sakall, William Demarest, Florence Bates and Regis Toomey.