Just Around the Corner

Just Around the Corner

Year: 1938

Runtime: 70 mins

Language: English

Director: Irving Cummings

MusicComedy

An uplifting, feel‑good story in which spirited young Penny rallies behind her idealistic architect father, helping him pursue his ambitious slum‑clearance project. Along the way she finds romance and joy, sharing a lively dance with the affable Corporal Jones, blending family devotion with light‑hearted courtship.

Just Around the Corner (1938) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Just Around the Corner (1938) 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 still feeling the tremors of the Great Depression, life unfolds between towering ambitions and modest dwellings. The streets echo with the mingled hopes of those who still believe in a brighter tomorrow, while the skyline hints at grand designs waiting to be realized. Against this backdrop, the world feels both fragile and full of promise, inviting viewers to linger in its warm, if uneven, glow.

Penny Hale arrives as a bright‑spirited youngster whose optimism turns a sudden change of fortune into an adventure. Once a student at a private girls’ school, she now shares a snug basement with her widowed father, Jeff Hale, an architect whose reputation outpaces his current circumstances. Their bond is a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned determination, with Penny eagerly championing her father’s vision for a daring slum‑clearance project that could reshape the community. Their home may be modest, but the love and resolve that fill it are anything but small.

Around them, a lively cast adds color and rhythm to the story. Lola brings a touch of romance and possibility, while her uncle Samuel Henshaw—the financiers often whispered about as “Uncle Sam”—holds the keys to the future of Jeff’s architectural dreams. Milton offers a playful contrast, and Waters, the officious building employee, provides gentle comic friction. Occasionally, the affable Corporal Jones joins in a cheerful dance, reminding everyone that joy can be found even in the most unexpected corners. Together, these characters create a warm tapestry of family devotion, hopeful courtship, and community spirit that promises plenty of heart‑warming moments ahead.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:08

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Feel-good musical optimism like in Just Around the Corner

Joyful stories where song and dance triumph over adversity with a sunny outlook.If you loved the cheerful resilience of Just Around the Corner, discover other movies where music and optimism conquer adversity. These similar stories blend light-hearted comedy with heartwarming themes, perfect for viewers seeking uplifting, feel-good musical experiences with a sunny disposition.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically feature a central, optimistic character (often youthful) who faces a societal or personal challenge. Through their unwavering cheerfulness, kindness, and often the communal joy of music and dance, they positively influence those around them, leading to a successful and happy resolution of the central conflict.

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These movies are grouped by their shared ability to generate feelings of pure joy and optimism. They balance lighter subject matter with a fundamentally hopeful tone, using musical elements and a steady, reassuring pace to create a comforting and consistently positive viewing experience.

Movies where youthful spirit uplifts adults like in Just Around the Corner

Charming tales where a child's innocence and determination inspire adult change.Fans of Just Around the Corner will enjoy these films featuring determined children who help their parents or other adults. Discover similar movies about father-daughter bonds, unlikely friendships, and stories where a child's kindness and cheerfulness bring positive change to the lives of grown-ups.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a capable and optimistic child confronting a problem that has overwhelmed the adults in their life—be it financial worry, lost dreams, or emotional distance. Through a series of well-intentioned, sometimes mischievous interventions, the child's actions bridge divides, rekindle passions, and ultimately guide the story toward a harmonious and happy conclusion for the entire family or community.

Why These Movies?

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Just Around the Corner Summary

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Just Around the Corner Summary

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Just Around the Corner Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Just Around the Corner

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Just Around the Corner

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