Directed by Melville W. Brown and released by RKO Radio Pictures, Behind Office Doors is a pre-Code drama that explores the hidden influence of women in the male-dominated business world. Based on the 1929 novel Private Secretary by Alan Schultz, the film stars Mary Astor, Robert Ames, and Ricardo Cortez, and offers a surprisingly modern take on workplace dynamics and gender politics.
Plot Summary
Mary Linden (Mary Astor) is a receptionist at a paper milling company, but her deep knowledge of the business and its clients makes her far more valuable than her title suggests. She’s secretly in love with salesman James Duneen (Robert Ames), and uses her behind-the-scenes influence to help him rise through the ranks. When the company president retires, Mary orchestrates Duneen’s promotion to the top job. But Duneen remains oblivious to her romantic feelings and hires a party girl, Daisy, to work under Mary—causing emotional strain. As Duneen becomes engaged to a wealthy banker’s daughter, Mary resigns and nearly falls into an affair with Ronnie Wales (Ricardo Cortez), a married man. Eventually, Duneen realizes Mary was the true source of his success and begs her to return.
Cast Highlights
- Mary Astor as Mary Linden
- Robert Ames as James Duneen
- Ricardo Cortez as Ronnie Wales
- Edna Murphy as Daisy Presby
- Charles Sellon as President Ritter
- Kitty Kelly, Walter McGrail, and Kathryn Sorina in supporting roles
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- One of Robert Ames’ final films—he died just months after its release
- The salary offered to Daisy ($50/week) was well above average for 1931, when most secretaries earned around $20/week
- This was the final film appearance of Katya Sorina, who played a minor role
- One of six films featuring both Mary Astor and Ricardo Cortez
- The striped shirt Duneen boasts about buying for $15 would be equivalent to about $260 in 2022 dollars
Themes and Legacy
- Gender and Power: Mary’s quiet control over company affairs highlights the overlooked contributions of women in business
- Romantic Disillusionment: The film critiques male obliviousness and the emotional labor women often perform
- Pre-Code Boldness: Touches on extramarital affairs, ambition, and female agency without moralizing
- Cultural Reflection: The office politics and gender dynamics feel surprisingly relevant to modern audiences
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