Paddy the Next Best Thing (1933 film)

Paddy the Next Best Thing is a 1933 British romantic comedy film directed by Harry Lachman and starring Janet Gaynor, Warner Baxter and Walter Connolly. It is based on the novel Paddy the Next Best Thing by Gertrude Page, a popular romance novel of the early 20th century.

The film tells the story of Paddy Adair (Janet Gaynor), a spirited and somewhat mischievous young woman living in rural Ireland. She is known for her high spirits and unconventional behavior. Paddy is pursued by several suitors, but her life takes a turn when she meets Jack Hillgrove (Warner Baxter), a sophisticated Englishman who has come to Ireland. Their relationship develops amidst humorous situations and romantic misunderstandings. The film explores themes of love, cultural differences, and the clash between rural and urban life.

The film was a notable success at the time of its release, primarily due to Gaynor's popularity. It is considered a pre-Code Hollywood film, exhibiting some of the themes and situations common to films produced before the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code. The film is not as widely known today as some of Gaynor's other works.