Watch Public Stenographer

In the 1934 film Public Stenographer, the lead character, Marian Martin, played by Lola Lane, is a talented and hardworking stenographer in New York City. Despite her skills, she is consistently overlooked and underpaid due to her gender. Marian dreams of a better life, filled with romance and excitement, but has resigned herself to a life of drudgery.

One day, a handsome and wealthy businessman named Fred Whitmarsh, played by William Collier Jr., comes into the office where Marian works and requests her services. As she begins working for him, Marian finds herself falling in love with Fred, but she knows that their differences in social standing will always keep them apart.

As Marian continues to work for Fred, she becomes embroiled in a complicated business deal that threatens to ruin him. With the threat of financial ruin looming, Fred turns to Marian for help. Despite the risks, she agrees to help him and works tirelessly to clear his name and save his reputation.

As Marian's relationship with Fred deepens, she must navigate the complex and often dangerous world of New York's high society. Along the way, she confronts deception, betrayal and heartbreak, but her unwavering determination and her devotion to Fred never wavers.

The film's cast is rounded out by Esther Muir, who plays a wealthy socialite and rival to Marian for Fred's affections. Muir's performance is particularly noteworthy, as she nails the character's haughty demeanor and entitled behavior.

Public Stenographer is a timeless story of romance, ambition, and class struggle, and it remains a classic of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The film's themes of gender and social inequality still resonate with contemporary audiences, and its message of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity still rings true today.

Public Stenographer boasts strong performances from its cast and features a well-crafted script. The film's visual style, particularly its depiction of glamorous New York City high society, is also noteworthy. Overall, Public Stenographer is a classic film that deserves a place in the annals of Hollywood history.