Behind Office Doors

Behind Office Doors is a 1935 drama film directed by William C. McGann, starring Helen Hayes and William Joyce. The film tells the story of Mary Linden, a devoted and intelligent secretary who is the driving force behind the successful career of her boss, James Duneen. On the surface, their relationship appears professional, with Mary acting as Duneen's trusted and able right-hand woman. However, beneath this façade lies a deep emotional attachment, with Mary going above and beyond to support Duneen in both his personal and professional life. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Duneen's dependence on Mary is not merely a professional partnership, but a symbiotic relationship that is deeply ingrained in his personal life. He takes Mary for granted, often relying on her to handle difficult situations and to mediate his relationships with others. Despite her efforts to keep their professional boundaries intact, Duneen's behavior leaves Mary feeling underappreciated and unvalued. Into this complex dynamic steps Richard Wales, a charming and ruthless competitor who seeks to destroy Duneen's business empire and claim Mary for himself. Wales is an unscrupulous executive who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, and he sees Mary as the key to unlocking Duneen's secrets and ultimately toppling him from his position of power. As Wales begins to woo Mary with his charm and attention, she finds herself increasingly torn between her loyalty to Duneen and the excitement and validation that Wales offers. Despite her growing attraction to Wales and the sense of self-worth that he provides, Mary is deeply invested in Duneen's success and is unwilling to abandon him even as he continues to take her for granted. The central conflict of the film revolves around the struggle for Mary's affections and loyalty. Duneen, oblivious to the danger that Wales poses, continues to disregard Mary's feelings and needs, ultimately putting their professional relationship in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Wales uses his charm and good looks to manipulate Mary into turning against Duneen and joining him in his pursuit of power and success. As the tension between Duneen and Wales escalates, Mary finds herself at the center of the storm, struggling to maintain her integrity and her professional reputation in the face of mounting adversity. In the end, she must decide between the two men and choose a path that will determine the course of her career and her personal life. Behind Office Doors is a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of the workplace and the delicate dance of power and relationships that can exist between colleagues. The film offers a nuanced portrayal of a woman in a position of authority and the expectations that are placed upon her, as well as the challenges that she faces in a male-dominated industry. Through its thought-provoking exploration of loyalty, power, and relationships, Behind Office Doors provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the women who worked behind the scenes in the early days of corporate America.