Exit Smiling

Exit Smiling is a 1937 American drama film directed by Sam Taylor and starring Barbara Stanwyck. Set in 1878, the movie revolves around the life of a third-rate theatrical company on the road, traveling from one small town to another. This company primarily performs melodramatic plays, one of which is titled "Flaming Women." The story centers around Lizzie Meadows, played by Barbara Stanwyck, a resourceful and kind-hearted wardrobe lady and maid for the theatre company. She often finds herself caught up in the company's eccentricities and the personal dramas that unfold within its ensemble. Lizzie is an ambitious and talented young woman with a hidden dream; she wishes to step into the shoes of the company's lead actress, the glamorous and fiery actress, Kitty. Leading the theatre company are its flamboyant and egotistical director, Jack, and his girlfriend, a charming but manipulative actress, Kitty, who plays the lead role in "Flaming Women." Jack is portrayed as a complex figure; he has charisma on stage, but off it, he appears to be a demanding and often cruel leader. Kitty is the star of the theatre company, charming audiences with her on-stage antics and wit. However, Kitty's relationship with Jack is complicated, as she seeks more in her career – particularly the role of the female lead in other, more prestigious productions. Lizzie, on the other hand, has big aspirations for herself. Her talents are multifaceted – she excels in sewing, costume design, and can even sing, all valuable skills to someone working for an itinerant theatre company like Jack's. She takes her work very seriously, often volunteering her time to learn new skills. Lizzie is determined to replace Kitty and land a starring role for herself. She sees an opportunity to gain experience and gain a foothold in the male-dominated world of theatre. As the theatre company progresses on their tour, Jack becomes increasingly tyrannical, while Kitty's growing ambitions drive a wedge between her and Jack. Lizzie finds herself drawn to Kitty's world, trying to learn from her and navigate her own relationships with the theatre company's cast. Meanwhile, Lizzie has an encounter with a charming stranger when she stops to perform in an isolated town, this brief respite gives Lizzie an idea of what she might be missing out on in life. The relationship between Kitty and Jack takes a dramatic turn when they get into a heated argument in front of the rest of the cast. Jack, realizing Kitty's plans to leave him and continue her career, decides to let her go, effectively replacing her with Lizzie. He offers Lizzie a trial opportunity to take on the role of the female lead, giving her a shot at fulfilling her long-held aspirations. However, the challenges that Lizzie faces prove too daunting to overcome, and Jack soon decides to rehire Kitty, realizing his error in judgment. Devastated by this reversal, Lizzie makes the difficult decision to leave the travelling theatre company in search of a new path – one that doesn't involve the pressures and hardships of life on the road. Ultimately, Lizzie emerges as a strong and determined individual who refuses to be silenced by the limitations imposed upon her by the patriarchal society and the harsh realities of the theatre world. The film provides a poignant portrayal of a young woman chasing her dreams, encountering both setbacks and opportunities that shape her into a stronger and more resilient individual in the end.