Every Girl Should Be Married

Every Girl Should Be Married

Year: 1948

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Don Hartman

RomanceComedy

He refuses to say “YES”, and she refuses to accept “NO”. Anabel Sims is relentless in her quest to find the perfect husband. Convinced that the handsome pediatrician Madison Brown is her ideal match, she devises an elaborate scheme to trap him into marriage.

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Every Girl Should Be Married (1948) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Every Girl Should Be Married (1948), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Anabel Sims, Betsy Drake, a department store salesclerk, is captivated by the idea of marriage. When handsome pediatrician Dr. Madison W. Brown asks for her help in making a purchase, she decides that he is the one for her. He is happy as a bachelor, but Anabel proves to be a determined schemer. She learns all she can about him, everything from where he went to school to his favorite foods. Madison soon realizes her intentions and does his best to fend off the persistent admirer.

Anabel makes a reservation at a restaurant on a day when she knows that Madison habitually dines there. In an attempt to make him jealous, she pretends to be waiting for wealthy, three-times-married playboy Roger Sanford, who happens to be her employer and Madison’s university classmate. By chance, Roger shows up. Fortunately for her, Roger believes that she is using Madison as a ruse to get acquainted with him. However, the maneuver fails; Madison’s feelings remain unchanged.

Anabel comes up with more ingenious schemes, but they are all unsuccessful. However, Roger falls in love with her. He eventually asks her to marry him, but she only invites him to dinner at her home. When Julie, Anabel’s best friend, warns Madison, he begins to worry, knowing something of Roger’s success with women. The doctor invites himself to the little soirée. While waiting for Anabel, they are unexpectedly joined by Old Joe, Anabel’s longtime hometown beau, who announces that he and Anabel are finally going to get married. At first, Madison congratulates them, but after thinking about it, makes his own bid for her hand. Anabel leaves the decision up to Joe, who bows out, saying that he only wants her to be happy. After Joe leaves, Madison informs Anabel that her research on him was incomplete; he recognizes Joe’s voice as that of a radio performer he listens to frequently. Madison and Anabel are soon discussing their wedding plans with a clergyman.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:17

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Movies with relentless romantic pursuit like Every Girl Should Be Married

Stories where one character's elaborate, playful scheming turns a courtship upside down.If you enjoyed the charming scheming in Every Girl Should Be Married, you'll like these movies. They feature determined heroines or heroes who use playful tricks and lighthearted deceptions to win over their reluctant crush, all leading to a happy, comedic conclusion.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear path where the protagonist's primary goal is romantic conquest. The central conflict arises from their increasingly elaborate, whimsical plans clashing with the target's initial resistance, creating a steady stream of comedic situations. The journey is one of persistence paying off, concluding with the successful melting of the reluctant heart.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on a specific romantic dynamic: the playful chase. They possess a light tone, low-stakes conflicts resolved through humor, and a predictable but enjoyable arc where cunning and charm ultimately triumph.

Charming classic romantic comedies like Every Girl Should Be Married

Feel-good romantic stories with straightforward plots, gentle humor, and a guaranteed happy ending.Fans of the gentle, cheerful vibe of Every Girl Should Be Married will enjoy these movies. They share a straightforward boy-meets-girl (or vice-versa) narrative, lighthearted tone, and a focus on fun romantic entanglements that are always resolved happily, providing a comforting and delightful escape.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a clear and simple romantic arc, often involving a central couple overcoming minor, humorous obstacles on their path to togetherness. Subplots are minimal, and the emotional journey is free of heavy trauma, ensuring the viewer's primary experience is one of warmth and amusement from start to finish.

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These films are united by their commitment to a pure, undiluted romantic comedy experience. They share a specific mix of low intensity, light tone, steady pacing, and straightforward storytelling that creates a consistently cheerful and satisfying vibe, perfect for those seeking comfort viewing.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Every Girl Should Be Married

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Every Girl Should Be Married

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