The Devil and Miss Jones

The Devil and Miss Jones

Year: 1941

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Sam Wood

RomanceComedy

The richest man on earth, John P. Merrick, keeps his identity secret even though he owns Neeley’s Department Store. Angry workers, unaware of his face, chant his name and hang an effigy amid a labor dispute. Determined to quell the unrest, Merrick disguises himself as a shoe‑department clerk to confront the agitators from within.

The Devil and Miss Jones (1941) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Devil and Miss Jones (1941) 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 the bustling heart of New York, a vast department store looms as both a symbol of modern consumerism and a flashpoint for growing labor unrest. Though the shop’s glittering displays attract shoppers from every walk of life, whispers circulate through its aisles about a concealed proprietor whose wealth eclipses the city’s skyline. When disgruntled employees begin chanting the unknown owner’s name and even mount an effigy in protest, the tension crackles like a neon sign on a rainy night, promising a clash between opulent power and everyday ambition.

Enter the enigmatic tycoon John P. Merrick, who, driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to quell the discord, chooses an unconventional path: he abandons his polished executive trappings and slips into the shoe department’s backroom as a humble clerk. There, he encounters the warm‑hearted and quick‑witted Mary Jones, a diligent shop assistant whose optimism lights the drab corners of the sales floor. Alongside her stands Joe O’Brien, a passionate organizer whose commitment to his fellow workers hints at deeper ideals, while the refined and steady presence of Elizabeth Ellis offers a calming counterpoint to the store’s frantic rhythm. Each of these characters embodies a different facet of the bustling retail world, setting the stage for unlikely friendships and subtle rivalries that pulse beneath the polished counters.

The film moves with a breezy, screwball elegance, blending witty dialogue with the kinetic energy of a busy department store. Its tone balances lighthearted comedy with an undercurrent of social commentary, inviting audiences to watch the dance between privilege and perseverance without sacrificing humor. A bright palette of neon signs, polished mahogany, and bustling city streets frames the narrative, while the ever‑present hum of cash registers and marching footsteps underscores the story’s lively tempo.

As the undercover magnate navigates the labyrinth of employee break rooms, stockrooms, and sales floors, a delicate web of intrigue begins to form. The very act of blending in forces him to reckon with perspectives far removed from his boardroom, hinting at revelations that could reshape both his identity and the future of the store’s spirited workforce.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:03

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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.

Class-crossing romantic comedies like The Devil and Miss Jones

Romantic comedies where love blossoms across social classes with wit and charm.If you liked the witty romance and social dynamics in The Devil and Miss Jones, you'll enjoy these movies. Films in this thread feature charming love stories that bridge gaps in social class, using humor and heart to explore themes of empathy and transformation.

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Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a protagonist from one social stratum who is thrust into the world of another, often through disguise or circumstance. This fish-out-of-water scenario generates comedy and conflict, ultimately leading the characters to see beyond class divisions and find common ground through romance, resulting in a happy, optimistic ending.

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They are grouped by their shared focus on romance as a force for breaking down class barriers, their light and whimsical tone, their steady pacing that balances character development with comedic situations, and their ultimately hopeful worldview where love conquers social prejudice.

Movies about undercover transformations like The Devil and Miss Jones

Stories where going undercover leads to a profound change of heart.Discover movies similar to The Devil and Miss Jones, where a character's undercover mission leads to unexpected empathy and personal change. These stories blend workplace comedy with heartfelt character arcs, resulting in optimistic and satisfying conclusions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a powerful or privileged individual who assumes a false identity to investigate or control a situation from within. Immersed in the lives of ordinary people, they undergo a moral and emotional awakening. The central conflict shifts from an external goal to an internal struggle, ending with the protagonist using their power for good, inspired by their new-found understanding.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific plot mechanism—the undercover journey—that drives a predictable but satisfying character arc from ignorance to empathy. They are united by a lighthearted tone, low stakes, a steady pace focused on character revelation, and a feel-good ending where the protagonist's transformation creates a better world.

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The Devil and Miss Jones Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Devil and Miss Jones

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Devil and Miss Jones

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