Year: 1936
Runtime: 89 mins
Language: English
Director: Alfred E. Green
DICK POWELL Starts Singing…RUBY KEELER Starts Tapping… Musical about dingaling millionaire businessman Cedric Ames and his various employees
Get a spoiler-free look at Colleen (1936) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a bustling corporate empire where boardrooms sit beside confectionery factories and dress boutiques, the everyday rhythm is punctuated by song and tap‑dance, turning ordinary business dealings into glossy, almost theatrical set‑pieces. The film slides between glossy office corridors, candy‑scented production floors, and the glitter of a fashion showroom, all bathed in a bright, tongue‑in‑cheek visual style that feels part‑musical, part‑satire. Its humor derives from the absurdity of high‑stakes commerce colliding with the whims of personal ambition, all underscored by lively numbers that keep the energy humming.
At the heart of this world is Cedric Ames, a wealthy yet absent‑minded president whose grand ideas often outpace his attention. He delegates much of his empire to trusted hands, most notably his eager nephew Donald Ames, who oscillates between dutiful manager and well‑meaning meddler. Enter Joe Cork, a freshly hired assistant whose quick mind spots opportunity everywhere, and Minnie Hawkins, a charismatic chocolate dipper whose aspirations stretch far beyond the sugary vats she tends. Their paths intersect when a chance encounter leads to the acquisition of a modest dress shop, setting the stage for an unexpected clash of dreams.
Guiding the shop’s ledger is Colleen Reilly, a sharp‑witted bookkeeper whose practical sensibilities clash delightfully with the flamboyant schemes swirling around her. Her presence injects a grounded perspective, while also providing a conduit for the film’s romantic undercurrents. As each character pursues their own version of success—whether it’s expanding an empire, climbing the corporate ladder, or finding a stage to shine—tensions rise, alliances form, and the melody of ambition plays on.
The tone remains buoyant and witty, inviting the audience to watch a circus of personalities dance around each other in pursuit of profit, love, and a little bit of stardom. The story promises a cascade of musical interludes, comedic misunderstandings, and the kind of light‑hearted intrigue that keeps viewers humming long after the curtain falls.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:12
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Lighthearted tales where love gets tangled in whimsical, fast-paced chaos.If you liked the mischievous charm and romantic hijinks of Colleen, you'll enjoy these movies. This section features films that blend musical numbers with screwball comedy, offering lighthearted stories about love, mistaken identities, and spirited reunions, all with an upbeat, 1930s-inspired flair.
The narrative typically revolves around a central romantic pairing, often separated by class or circumstance, who are thrown together by a series of comical misunderstandings, financial schemes, or societal gossip. The plot progresses through a chain of amusing events and set pieces, including musical numbers, that escalate the comedic tension before everything resolves in a happy and often public reconciliation.
These movies are grouped together because they share a unique blend of genre conventions: the rapid-fire dialogue and situational humor of screwball comedy, combined with the expressive, emotional release of musical numbers. They maintain a consistently light tone, steady pacing, and focus on the playful, rather than painful, aspects of romantic pursuit.
Stories where love overcomes comical deceptions and social blunders.Find more delightful comedies like Colleen where love triumphs over amusing confusion. These movies feature gold diggers, mistaken identities, and business schemes that complicate romance, all handled with a light touch and culminating in a satisfying, happy conclusion for the central couple.
The plot follows a predictable but enjoyable arc: an initial attraction is complicated by a lie or misunderstanding, which then snowballs into a larger comedic crisis. Supporting characters often fuel the confusion. The resolution involves a moment of truth and reconciliation, where the deception is forgiven, strengthening the bond between the lovers and often resulting in a public or celebratory union.
These films are united by their focus on comedy derived from relational miscommunication rather than external threats. They prioritize a light emotional weight and a happy ending, making them perfect for viewers seeking an uplifting and amusing experience where love, despite some silly obstacles, always wins.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Colleen in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Colleen is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Colleen, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Colleen with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Colleen. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Colleen: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Colleen that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Colleen (1936) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Colleen (1936) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Colleen (1936) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Colleen – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
De-Lovely (2004) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Hello, Dolly! (1969) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Colao (2017) Film Overview & Timeline
Hear My Song (1991) Full Summary & Key Details
Amarilly of Clothes-Line Alley (1918) Full Movie Breakdown
The Colleen Bawn (1911) Story Summary & Characters
Ella Cinders (1926) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) Movie Recap & Themes
My Sister Eileen (1955) Full Movie Breakdown
Peacock Alley (1930) Detailed Story Recap
Tin Pan Alley (1940) Detailed Story Recap
The Girl from Missouri (1934) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Cole (2009) Full Summary & Key Details
The Little Colonel (1935) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Glorifying the American Girl (1929) Film Overview & Timeline