Morning Glory

Morning Glory is a 1933 American Pre-Code drama film which tells the story of an eager would-be actress and her journey to stardom, and her gains and losses. The picture stars Katharine Hepburn, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Adolphe Menjou, was adapted by Howard J. Green from a then-unproduced stage play of the same name by Zoë Akins, and was directed by Lowell Sherman. Hepburn won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for this movie. Morning Glory was remade in 1958 under the title Stage Struck. Plot Eva Lovelace is an aspiring performer from a small town who dreams of making it big on Broadway. Despite attending numerous auditions, she hasn't been given an opportunity yet. At the management office of the Easton Theatre, star actress Rita Vernon, known for her diva behavior and alcohol problem, negotiates a deal with the theater owner and producer, Louis Easton. Rita accepts a small role in an upcoming play in exchange for her pick of roles in the next production. Eva impresses Robert Hedges, an experienced actor, who agrees to help her. Playwright Joseph Sheridan is also captivated by Eva's vibrant personality. Months pass, and Eva struggles to find significant roles while moving frequently due to financial difficulties. Hedges eventually finds Eva in a desperate situation and takes her to a celebrity party at Easton's apartment. Inebriated, Eva makes a scene, but surprises everyone by delivering powerful Shakespearean monologues. She falls asleep and is put to bed by Easton's butler. The next morning, Easton, feeling guilty for taking advantage of Eva's innocence, confides in Sheridan and asks for his help. Sheridan, who is secretly in love with Eva, decides not to reveal the truth to her, causing her to leave with the belief that her night with Easton marks the start of a committed relationship. Months go by, and Eva repeatedly tries to see Easton, who ignores her. Sheridan keeps his feelings hidden as well. Easton's theater company prepares to showcase Sheridan's new play, with Rita as the star. On opening night, Rita demands a written contract with a huge salary increase and half the profits from the play. Feeling cornered, Easton considers complying, but Sheridan suggests bringing in Eva as a surprise understudy instead. Reluctantly, Easton agrees, leading to Rita storming off the set.