MovieChat Forums > Poor Little Rich Girl (1936) Discussion > The Dad: He's kind of a playboy

The Dad: He's kind of a playboy

posted 9 years ago by Piperson
4 replies | jump to latest

I think this guy is handsome and he has a good rapport with Shirley. He displays a proper level of concern for her especially when he learns that she is missing from school.

But I'm always a little annoyed during the final number. He is in the studio with Gloria Stewart watching Shirley, Alice Faye and Jack Haley dance. Instead of keeping his eyes on his darling daughter's performance he is focused only on Gloria Stewart like he would like to devour her. Everybody else is loving the show and he isn't even looking.

[–] mdonln 9 years ago

I didn't get the impression that's was what he was doing. He was watching the show but noticed her enjoying the show so it looks like he's admiring the fact that this woman he's in love with and has been chasing all that time is beaming while watching his daughter. That would make him love her even more.

He also points out to her that her boss, his new partner, is enjoying the show, dancing along and in a good mood. He's behaving like a proud father and a man who seems really happy. Later he does focus on Margaret again but the show is over. The older guy comes up and he seems a tad annoyed he's interrupting his semi-alone time with his girl.

However, even if he had been paying attention to Margaret during the show I don’t think that would make him a playboy. I assume this show is taking place quite a while after they were reunited. I say that because they're dancing an elaborate routine which would have taken time to put together and practice. They're also in full wardrobe. Those things take time; time during which he's probably seen the number a time or two.

Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

[–] Piperson 9 years ago

You make some good points and "Playboy" isn't the right word. There is just something in the way he is looking at Gloria Stewart that seems a little too intense. It's as if he is unaware of any other goings-on. If their romance was the focus of the scene I wouldn't have a problem with it. It is because the scene is really about Shirley's triumph as a radio star that it bothers me. It only bothers me a tiny little bit though.

I still love this movie especially the numbers with Jack Haley and Alice Faye.

[–] trainer1158 8 years ago

I completely agree with you. This is my favorite ST movie, but that scene bothered me even when I was a kid for the very reason you said.

[–] TheChamCham 8 years ago

The fact that he is watching Gloria Stuart and she is watching Barbara is what bothers me. Hopefully, it tells us that she is going to be a good stepmother because she is more interested in Barbara than in her father.

Hearts are often broken by words left unspoken.💔