Personal Property is a 1937 American romantic comedy film starring Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow was an American film actress and sex symbol of the 1930s. Known as the "Blonde Bombshell" and the "Platinum Blonde" , Harlow was ranked as one of the greatest movie stars of all time by the American Film Institute...

 and Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor (actor)

Robert Taylor was an American film and television actor.-Early life:Born Spangler Arlington Brugh in Filley, Nebraska, he was the son of Ruth Adaline and Spangler Andrew Brugh, who was a farmer turned doctor...

 and directed by W.S. Van Dyke. It is based on the play The Man In Possession by H.M. Harwood.

Synopsis

Raymond Dabney (Robert Taylor) gets out of prison and is welcomed home by his mother (Henrietta Crosman); but his father (E. E. Clive) and brother Claude Dabney (Reginald Owen) offer him money to go away. Raymond likes London, and his mother tells him that Claude is engaged. Raymond goes out and meets Crystal Wetherby (Jean Harlow). He joins her box at the opera; but she leaves, and he follows. She is pestered by bill collectors, and Raymond meets a Bailiff (Forrester Harvey) at her door. A policeman tells Crystal that Raymond has a writ to stay there and make sure no one takes the furniture. Crystal's maid Clara (Una O'Connor) approves of marrying for money. Crystal tells Raymond that her husband shot the trophies and gives him his large pajamas, scaring him into the butler's room.

Raymond brings Crystal breakfast; but she tries to get rid of him. Claude calls Crystal, and she tells Raymond that her fiancé's parents are coming for dinner. Raymond offers to "butle" as Ferguson for her, and they practice with Crystal playing Catherine Burns and Lord Carstairs. Raymond learns his family is coming, and he announces them. Claude tells Raymond to clear out. Catherine Burns (Maria Shelton) and Mrs. Burns (Cora Witherspoon) arrive, followed by absent-minded Lord Carstairs (Lionel Braham) and mumbling Arthur (Barnett Parker). Raymond serves cocktails, and Claude tells Crystal they can marry and share their possessions. Claude and Mr. Dabney say they are in ladies underwear. Catherine tries to flirt with Ferguson, but he is too busy. Claude says the best investment is marriage. Raymond spills food on Claude, who demands he leave. After the other guests leave, Claude tells Crystal that Raymond just got out of prison. Raymond says he will leave if Crystal asks him; but she says he can stay so he won't lose his job. She thanks Raymond for not exposing her. Crystal sends Clara to bed and washes dishes as Raymond dries them. Raymond tells Crystal that Catherine wants to hire him, and Catherine calls. Raymond and Crystal pretend to have a picnic and say good-night.

In the morning Claude asks Raymond to leave before Crystal finds out who he is, and Raymond agrees for 500 pounds. Raymond asks Crystal about the wedding, and they quarrel because she is marrying for money. Before the wedding Raymond tells the bailiff the bill is paid. Raymond shows Claude the writ as men remove furniture. Raymond offers to explain to Crystal for Claude that he was a fortune hunter. Raymond tells Crystal that Claude is not marrying her, and they kiss.

Cast

• Jean Harlow
  Jean Harlow
  Jean Harlow was an American film actress and sex symbol of the 1930s. Known as the "Blonde Bombshell" and the "Platinum Blonde" , Harlow was ranked as one of the greatest movie stars of all time by the American Film Institute...
  
   - Crystal Wetherby
• Robert Taylor
  Robert Taylor (actor)
  Robert Taylor was an American film and television actor.-Early life:Born Spangler Arlington Brugh in Filley, Nebraska, he was the son of Ruth Adaline and Spangler Andrew Brugh, who was a farmer turned doctor...
  
   - Raymond Dabney aka Ferguson
• Reginald Owen
  Reginald Owen
  John Reginald Owen was a British character actor. He was known for his many roles in British and American movies and later in television programs.-Personal:...
  
   - Claude Dabney
• Una O'Connor
  Una O'Connor
  Una O'Connor was an Irish actress who worked extensively in theatre before becoming a notable character actress in film.-Life and work:...
  
   - Clara
• Henrietta Crosman
  Henrietta Crosman
  Henrietta Crosman was an American stage and film actress. She was born in Wheeling West Virginia to George Crosman, a Civil War Major and Mary B. Wick, who was a niece of Stephen Foster.-Theatrical career:...
  
   - Mrs. Cosgrove Dabney
• E.E. Clive - Cosgrove Dabney
• Cora Witherspoon
  Cora Witherspoon
  Cora Witherspoon was an American actress who played supporting roles in films from the 1930s until the 1950s....
  
   - Mrs. Burns
• Marla Shelton - Catherine Burns
• Forrester Harvey
  Forrester Harvey
  Forrester Harvey was an Irish-born film actor. He appeared in 117 films between 1922 and 1946, including two films directed by Alfred Hitchcock.He was born in County Cork, Ireland and died in Laguna Beach, California....
  
   - Herbert Jenkins
• Lionel Braham - Lord Carstairs
• Barnett Parker - Arthur 'Trevy' Trevelyan

Quotes

• Crystal Wetherby: And while we're asking so many questions, why were YOU sent to jail?
• Raymond Dabney: Murder.
• Crystal Wetherby: I wish it had been suicide!