The Richest Girl In The World (1934)

The wealthiest debutante (Miriam Hopkins) in the world has lived a life of secrecy since birth. Her whereabouts and her appearance are a closely guarded secret and the few times she is required to make a public appearance, she has her secretary (Fay Wray) pose as her. But when she falls in love with a young man (Joel McCrea), she concocts a plan to push him into the arms of her secretary who he thinks is the rich debutante to see if he will choose the poor "her" over the richest girl in the world. Directed by William A. Seiter (ROOM SERVICE), the film tends to be more overly complicated than it should be for a romantic comedy. Hopkins' character almost seems self destructive in her attempt to sabotage McCrea's romantic interest in her. Plus, we're cheated of a pay off when the film ends before she has a chance to tell him who she really is. That being said, it's not a bad little 30s style romcom and if you're a fan of Hopkins (as I am), you should find it enjoyable. I do wish McCrea's character had been better delineated as you're never quite sure if he's shallow or sincere. Remade in 1946 as BRIDE BY MISTAKE. With Reginald Denny and Henry Stephenson.