The Greeks Had a Word for Them

The Greeks Had a Word for Them (1932)

Genres - Drama  |   Release Date - Feb 3, 1932 (USA - Unknown), Feb 3, 1932 (USA)  |   Run Time - 79 min.  |   Countries - United States  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson

Zoƫ Akins' archetypal "gold-digger" stage comedy The Greeks Had a Word for It was transferred to the screen in 1933, with the "It" changed to "Them" in the title, reportedly at the insistence of over-cautious producer Sam Goldwyn (this became a moot point in the 1940s, when the film was reissued as Three Broadway Girls). Ina Claire, Madge Evans, and Joan Blondell star as ex-showgirls Jean, Polaire, and Schatze, who pool their resources to rent a luxurious penthouse apartment. Their strategy is as follows: if they live like millionaires, dress like millionaires and act like millionaires, they'll be able to attract wealthy boyfriends. The original play ended with all three girls continuing their gold-digging activities unto eternity, while the film concludes with one of the three finding true love in the arms of Dey Emery (David Manners). The Greeks Had a Word for Them was later remade (and considerably rewritten) as How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), with Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall.

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Keywords

wealth, affection, bachelorette, con/scam, conspiracy, friendship, golddigger, marriage, girl, gold, husband