The Life of the Party (1937 film)

Aspiring singer Mitzi Mantos and her agent Pauline are on their way to Santa Barbara, California by train. Also on the train are society scion Barry Saunders accompanied by Oliver. Barry will loose an inheritance of 3 million dollar if he marries before the age of 30 and Oliver was hired by Barry's mother to assure this. Mitzi and Barry meet when her slipper is caught between two railroad cars and he falls for her. Unfortunately she disappears without him getting her name but leaving the shoe behind.

All four check into the same hotel where Barry hires hotel detective Parky to find the mysterious girl. Pauline tries to get an audition for Mitzi with Dr. Molnac for his traveling musical revue. Mitzi's mother, Countess Mantos, arrives also at the hotel, together with her friend Mrs. Penner and son Joe Penner. Both women have intentions to marry Mitzi to Joe. Barry meets Mitzi finally and proposes marriage to her three years in the future. Misunderstandings lead to a situation that Mitzi and Barry must pretend that they are married. Hearing that, Countess Mantos orders at once the bridal suite of the hotel for the young couple.

Pauline and Oliver organize a wedding party with Dr. Molnac's troupe performing. In addition Pauline schemes to get Mitzi the audition. She hires Parky and Joe to prevent Dr. Molnac's singer, Susan, to perform. Mitzi, taking her place, is a hit. Barry's mother arrives, informed by Oliver. She admits having lied about her and Barry's age for years. Barry is indeed thirty since his last birthday four months ago.

• Joe Penner as Joe Penner
• Gene Raymond as Barry Saunders
• Parkyakarkus as Parky
• Harriet Hilliard as Mitzi Mantos
• Victor Moore as Oliver
• Helen Broderick as Pauline
• Billy Gilbert as Dr. Molnac
• Ann Miller as Betty
• Betty Jane Rhodes as Susan
• Franklin Pangborn as Beggs
• Ann Shoemaker as Countess Martos
• Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Penner

• The Life of the Party on IMDb