Party Wire

Curiously enough Party Wire came out after the big hit that Jean Arthur co-starred in The Whole Town's Talking with John Ford directing. This film is about a whole town spreading gossip created with bits and pieces.

Party lines are thank God a thing of the past. I remember my grandparents in the 50s still having one. We'd have to wait until someone was finished to use the phone.

The local rich kid Victor Jory comes back to his home town and takeover the creamery which is the main employer. That's news in and of itself. But when a nasty story involving Jory, Jean Arthur, and Bob Allen with a 'theft" of some church funds and a mysterious trip taken the gossips invent some dirt. And dirt travels best by phone.

It all results in a near tragedy for an innocent other party.

Jean Arthur did well and Victor Jory made a nice couple. Occasionally Victor Jory was a nice guy in movies.

Arthur's part might have given Frank Capra some idea that she could be good casting in some upcoming projects of his. After all in Mr. Deeds she's a gossip spreader of sorts. She scores well in this film.

Arthur fans should love this