His Private Secretary (1933)

Directed by Phil Whitman, His Private Secretary is a breezy pre-Code romantic comedy notable for featuring a young John Wayne in one of his earliest non-Western roles. Produced on a shoestring budget, the film became a surprise hit and helped launch the career of prolific producer Sam Katzman.

Plot Summary
Dick Wallace (John Wayne) is a wealthy playboy whose father, Mr. Wallace (Reginald Barlow), wants him to settle down and take life seriously. After a chance encounter with Marion Hall (Evalyn Knapp), the granddaughter of a small-town minister, Dick falls in love and impulsively marries her. His father, convinced Marion is a gold digger, refuses to accept the marriage.

To prove her sincerity, Marion takes a job as Mr. Wallace’s secretary—without revealing her identity. Her charm and integrity gradually win him over, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation and a new beginning for the Wallace family.

Cast Highlights

• John Wayne as Dick Wallace
• Evalyn Knapp as Marion Hall
• Reginald Barlow as Mr. Wallace
• Alec B. Francis as Rev. Hall
• Arthur Hoyt as Little, the office manager
• Natalie Kingston as Polly, the gold digger
• Al St. John as the garage owner

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• The film was made for just $9,600, with only $2,500 available upfront; the rest was deferred
• John Wayne was paid $150 per week, a modest sum even for the time
• This was Sam Katzman’s first film as a producer, kicking off a career that spanned over 200 films across four decades
• Though Wayne and Al St. John were known for Westerns, this film is not a Western—it’s a romantic comedy set in urban America
• The butler is listed as “Jenkins” in the credits, but Wayne’s character calls him “Diggs” on screen