Working Girls (1931 film)
Working Girls is a 1931 American pre-Code comedy film directed by Dorothy Arzner and starring Judith Wood, Dorothy Hall, and Paul Lukas. The film centers around two sisters, Mae and June Thorpe, who move to New York City to find work and romance. Mae, the older sister, is more pragmatic and focused on financial security, while June is more romantic and driven by her heart.
The film explores themes of economic hardship during the early years of the Great Depression and the changing roles of women in the workforce. It depicts the challenges women faced in securing employment and navigating the complexities of relationships in a rapidly changing society.
Working Girls is notable for being directed by Dorothy Arzner, one of the few female directors working in Hollywood during that era. It showcases her skill in portraying female characters with depth and complexity, offering a nuanced perspective on the experiences of working women. The film's pre-Code status allows for a more frank and suggestive depiction of sexuality and social issues than would have been possible after the enforcement of the Production Code in 1934.