More Than a Secretary

Carol Baldwin and Helen Davis run the Supreme Secretarial School, focusing on teaching skills to women aspiring to meet nice men. The school’s purpose is to prepare women for social and romantic opportunities rather than professional success. They are concerned about one particular student, Maizie, who is inept at spelling, dictation, and typing.

Maizie is dismissed after revealing her real reason for attending the school—to meet men, not to learn skills. However, an inept former pupil visits with a new student and mentions marriage prospects. Despite her shortcomings, Maizie is hired by a new employer, prompting the instructors to reconsider their standards.

Carol visits Mr. Gilbert, the editor of Body and Brain magazine, after he complains about graduates of her school. Gilbert mistakes her for a secretary and asks her to report to work, leading to their first encounter. Carol quickly becomes smitten with him but does not correct the mistake.

Gilbert is passionate about fitness and leads his staff in exercises before serving a healthy lunch. He invites Carol to dinner, which she accepts, but she is disappointed when her steak is replaced with vegetable-based food. Later, she enjoys a real steak at home and begins to develop feelings for him.

Carol attempts to add 'cheesecake' photos to Gilbert’s articles to boost circulation, but he rejects her ideas. When Gilbert is advised to fix the magazine's declining sales, he refuses to change his approach. After he catches a cold, Carol implements her suggestions without permission, leading to her firing.

Gilbert apologizes to Carol when the latest issue of his magazine sells out. He rehires her and agrees to soften his strict office rules. Their working relationship turns romantic as they grow closer, and Gilbert’s feelings for Carol deepen.

Bill Houston asks Gilbert to help get rid of his attractive secretary, Maizie, but Gilbert refuses to hire her. Instead, Gilbert promotes Carol to associate editor and makes Maizie her replacement, which causes tension with Carol, who disapproves of Maizie.

Gilbert spends more nights with Maizie, neglecting his work, which leads Carol to quit in disgust while Gilbert is away at Atlantic City. Gilbert eventually realizes he loves Carol and wants to rekindle their relationship.

Gilbert writes a letter to Carol through his magazine, which angers her, but it ultimately prompts her to return. Gilbert then proposes marriage to her, indicating his realization of his love and commitment.