That Certain Feeling

Dunreath Henry is introduced as a stylish New York secretary and the fiancée of Larry Larkin. We also learn she was born Ethel Jankowski in Port Huron and was once married to cartoonist Francis X. Dignan.

We learn that Dignan is Dunreath's ex-husband, a talented but neurotic cartoonist who once worked with Al Capp. He struggles with anxiety and needs money for his psychiatrist, which motivates him to take the job.

Larry's syndicate complains that Snips and Runty haven't been funny. Dunreath hatches a plan to hire Dignan to ghost-write the strip while Larry is away.

Dignan initially refuses the job and dislikes Larkin, but he agrees because he needs money for his psychiatrist. The arrangement is uneasy, balancing talent with desperation.

Dignan writes the new material and the strips become humorous and a hit. Dunreath's feelings for him begin to rekindle as they work closely together.

Gussie the housekeeper starts playing matchmaker, nudging the two toward romance. Old tensions mix with new attraction as their feelings deepen.

An orphan named Norman arrives as Larkin intends to adopt him. Dignan is impressed at first, but he learns Larkin cares more about publicity than the child's welfare.

The live TV program Person to Person is scheduled, and Larkin wants a cute boy and a happy puppy by his side to boost his image. The plan adds pressure to create a family moment that will play well on television.

Dignan refuses the small dog and brings home Happy, a gigantic hound. He also draws a cartoon depicting Snips as a juvenile delinquent, further jeopardizing his relationship with Larkin.

Larkin returns home to find Dignan and Dunreath in matching pajamas after too many martinis. He fires Dignan just before the live appearance.

During the broadcast, Dignan interrupts the interview to declare his love for Dunreath. The moment derails Larkin's orchestrated publicity and leaves the broadcast unsettled.

Dunreath chooses to end her engagement and keep her new life with Dignan. She rejects Larkin’s name and vows to live with Dignan, Norman, and Happy.

Dignan, Dunreath, Norman, and Happy begin a new life together. They move from public spectacle to a private, contented happiness.