MovieChat Forums > Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940) Discussion > Receptionist in the lobby

Receptionist in the lobby

posted 10 years ago by BobCon1951
2 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone know the name of the lovely woman who plays the receptionist in the Casey & Matthews office lobby? I'm smitten with her and don't know her name. She has one of the best lines in the film when she tells King to "abdicate". There's no mention of a "receptionist" or "secretary" in the entire cast list and (I believe) they don't mention her characters name in the film. She had a speaking part, so it would follow that she would get a credit. I'd really like to know who she is. Thanks.

[–] robm256 10 years ago

Many small parts.......even small talking parts went uncredited in those days .......after checking the cast list it could be either Barbara Jo Allen ......Gladys Blake or Libby Taylor ........here are photos of the first mentioned actress, who looks similar .....https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Barbara+Jo+Allen&client=firefox- a&hs=Bo4&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=fflb&s ource=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=LoWCU7vaK822PdGQgbgM&ved=0 CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=763

Jeanne, Gloria, Toby, Mitzi, Eleanor (2), Frances, Deborah, Marion, Alice, Darcey - are adorable.

[–] BobCon1951 10 years ago

It's definitely Barbara Jo Allen. I guess I should have done a search for pictures on the unknown women in the cast like you did, but I just never thought of it. I'm glad you did :-). I've seen several of her other films listed in her bio, but Melody of 1940 is the first time she ever made an impression. She was very beautiful. Thanks for your help.