The Gorgeous Hussy

Year: 1936

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Director: Clarence Brown

HistoryDrama

In early‑19th‑century Washington, Margaret “Peggy” O’Neal, the beautiful, politically savvy daughter of innkeeper Major William O’Neal, captures the attention of numerous politicians and military officers. Though courted by many, she longs for the one man she truly loves, battling society’s expectations to win his heart.

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The Gorgeous Hussy (1936) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:34

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Bittersweet Historical Romances Defying Convention like The Gorgeous Hussy

Love stories set in the past where personal desire clashes with rigid societal codes.If you liked the blend of historical drama and unrequited love in The Gorgeous Hussy, explore more movies like it. This list features similar period romance stories where strong-willed individuals challenge social expectations, set against richly detailed historical backdrops.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist, often a woman, navigating a historical period with strict social rules. A central, powerful romance develops, but it is threatened or forbidden by societal pressures, political intrigue, or class differences. The story arc is driven by the emotional conflict between personal fulfillment and public duty, typically culminating in a resolution that is heartfelt but tinged with sacrifice.

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Movies about Women Navigating Political Intrigue like The Gorgeous Hussy

Stories of ambitious women influencing power from the margins of a male-dominated world.Find more films similar to The Gorgeous Hussy that feature savvy women maneuvering through complex political landscapes. These stories highlight women's agency, ambition, and the personal costs of operating within powerful, often restrictive, historical societies.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a female protagonist who is deeply embedded in or adjacent to a center of political power. Her intelligence and charm become her tools for exerting influence, but this comes at a personal cost, including societal judgment and scandal. The narrative explores the tension between her public impact and her private desires, frequently emphasizing the emotional weight of navigating a world not designed for her ambitions.

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These films share a focus on a specific character archetype—the politically involved woman—and the unique mood it creates: a blend of drama, societal pressure, and a poignant look at the personal behind the political. The steady pacing allows for deep immersion in both the character's interior world and the intricate social dynamics of the setting.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Gorgeous Hussy

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More About The Gorgeous Hussy

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