Hold That Woman!

Hold That Woman!

Year: 1940

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: Sam Newfield

ComedyCrime

A drama of bill collectors follows a skip‑tracer—a debt collector who repossesses late‑payment appliances—when he takes a tiny radio from a chronic deadbeat. He discovers a gang that stole diamonds from a Hollywood star has hidden the gems inside the radio, turning a routine repossession into a frantic chase as the thieves pursue him.

Hold That Woman! (1940) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Hold That Woman! (1940) 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 city where the hum of commerce is punctuated by the clatter of unpaid bills, a network of skip‑tracers makes a living out of reclaiming the everyday objects people can no longer afford. Their world is a blend of gritty realism and a subtly comic rhythm, where each repossession feels like a small, high‑stakes negotiation. The atmosphere is charged with the tension of constant deadlines, yet there’s an undercurrent of camaraderie among the agents who navigate the thin line between law and livelihood.

At the centre of this restless environment is Jimmy Parker, a sharp‑witted skip‑tracer determined to prove himself. Under the watchful eye of his demanding boss Bill Lannigan, Jimmy wrestles with the expectations of a cut‑throat agency while keeping his own ambitions in check. His relationship with Mary Mulvaney, a supportive fiancée whose own ties to the police add an extra layer of complexity, offers a glimpse of personal hope amid the relentless grind. Adding pressure is the ever‑present rivalry with Miles Hanover, a fellow collector whose success looms as both a benchmark and a challenge.

The routine of chasing overdue appliances takes an unexpected turn when Jimmy is tasked with retrieving a tiny radio from Lulu Driscoll, a habitual non‑payer known for slipping through the cracks. What begins as a standard repossession soon reveals a hidden cache of stolen diamonds, turning the modest device into a magnet for a desperate gang. The discovery injects a sudden urgency into Jimmy’s world, hinting at a frantic chase through the city’s shadowed avenues, where every turn could bring him face‑to‑face with danger.

Against this backdrop of relentless pursuit and uneasy alliances, the film balances tension with a dry, sardonic humor. The characters are drawn into a web where personal ambition, loyalty, and the lure of a quick windfall collide, promising a story that is as much about the inner workings of a niche profession as it is about the surprising twists that can arise from the most ordinary of objects.

Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:50

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Frantic crime capers like Hold That Woman!

Fast-paced chases and comedic misadventures born from a simple mistake.If you liked the fast-paced, lighthearted chase in Hold That Woman!, you'll enjoy these movies. Discover similar comedies and crime stories where a small mistake leads to big trouble, featuring energetic pacing, mischievous characters, and a focus on the chase rather than heavy drama. These films offer a fun, breezy viewing experience.

energeticfranticlightheartedchase-drivenmischievousfast-pacedcomic crime

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically launch from a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or a minor mistake that escalates dramatically. The plot is a linear race against time, driven by a physical object (a MacGuffin) that everyone wants. Character goals are clear and simple, prioritizing fast-moving action and humorous situations over deep introspection.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films that share a specific mix of crime genre elements with a comedic, non-threatening tone. The shared experience is one of a fun, breathless dash, where the thrill comes from the chase itself and the comedic mishaps along the way, rather than from genuine danger or emotional weight.

Movies where everyday life spirals into chaos like Hold That Woman!

When a completely ordinary situation spirals into absurd and unpredictable trouble.Find movies similar to Hold That Woman! where a routine task leads to an unpredictable adventure. If you enjoyed seeing a simple repossession turn into a diamond chase, you'll like these stories of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. These films blend relatable settings with comedic, fast-paced plots.

absurdescalatingrelatableunpredictablechaoticcomedicwrong place wrong time

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern begins with a protagonist engaged in a boring or frustrating routine. A single, seemingly minor event—often a misunderstanding or a chance discovery—serves as the catalyst, irrevocably shattering their normalcy. The journey is one of reactive adaptation, as the character is forced to navigate a bizarre and escalating situation they are utterly unprepared for.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the shared thematic core of mundane life colliding with the absurd. They deliver a specific comedic payoff: the thrill of seeing relatable problems balloon into wild adventures, all while maintaining a connection to the character's original, ordinary world.

Unlock the Full Story of Hold That Woman!

Don't stop at just watching — explore Hold That Woman! 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 Hold That Woman! is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Hold That Woman! Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hold That Woman!, 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.

Hold That Woman! Summary

Hold That Woman! Timeline

Track the full timeline of Hold That Woman! with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Hold That Woman! Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hold That Woman!

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Hold That Woman!. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hold That Woman!

More About Hold That Woman!

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hold That Woman!: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Hold That Woman!

Similar Movies to Hold That Woman!

Discover movies like Hold That Woman! 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.