Laugh And Get Rich (1931)

• Director
  • Gregory La Cava
• Writers
  • Douglas MacLean(by)
  • Gregory La Cava(screen play)
  • Ralph Spence(additional dialogue)
• Stars
  • Edna May Oliver
  • Hugh Herbert
  • Dorothy Lee

  This Depression-era comedy takes place in the boarding house run by the indomitable Sarah Austin (Edna May Oliver). Sarah's indigent husband Joe (Hugh Herbert), spends most of his time cooking up pie-in-the-sky get-rich-quick schemes, few of which come to fruition. In time-honored "domestic comedy" tradition, one of Joe's wacky inventions is purchased by a major manufacturer, saving the household from bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Sarah and Joe's daughter Alice (Dorothy Lee) experiences an endless series of romantic travails. Director Gregory LaCava reportedly allowed the actors to improvise much of their dialogue during rehearsals; even so, the fine comedic hand of veteran scenarist Ralph Spence is evident throughout the film.