The Palm Beach Story

The Palm Beach Story

Year: 1942

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Preston Sturges

RomanceComedyCrude humor and satireRelationship comedyGags jokes and slapstick humor

Tom Jeffers, a New York inventor, needs funding for his breakthrough invention. His devoted wife, Gerry, hatches a scheme: she divorces Tom and marries the flamboyant Florida millionaire J.D. Hackensacker III to secure the money, while love and ambition collide across the country.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Palm Beach Story (1942)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Palm Beach Story (1942). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The movie takes place in the 1930s, a period marked by economic disparity during the Great Depression, yet also known for its glamorous social scene among the wealthy. This era's social stratification and luxury contrasted with economic hardship serve as a backdrop to the comedy and romantic escapades.

Location

Palm Beach, Florida, New York City, Jacksonville

The film is primarily set in Palm Beach, a luxurious resort town known for its upscale lifestyle and beaches, reflecting Gerry’s desire for wealth and glamour. New York City also features as the starting point, representing ambition and the pursuit of success. Jacksonville is depicted as a lively city where high-end shopping and extravagant spending occur, highlighting the movie's themes of wealth and materialism.

🌴 Vacation 🏙️ Urban 🚤 Yacht 🌆 Affluent

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Main Characters – The Palm Beach Story (1942)

Meet the key characters of The Palm Beach Story (1942), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gerry Jeffers (Claudette Colbert)

Gerry is a young woman eager for a luxurious lifestyle, driven by her desire for wealth and glamour. Her flight from her unhappy marriage leads her into a series of comic situations. She is resourceful, spirited, and ultimately seeks genuine love amidst her material pursuits.

🌟 Ambitious 💃 Glamorous 💔 Impulsive

Tom Jeffers (Joel McCrea)

Tom is an optimistic inventor still waiting for success, loyal but somewhat naive. His determination to support his wife’s ambitions is tested by the chaotic events, revealing his earnest nature and resilience. He evolves from a hopelessly hopeful husband to someone who values love over riches.

🛠️ Inventor 💝 Loyal 🌟 Hopeful

John D. Hackensacker III (Rudy Vallee)

Hackensacker is a wealthy, eccentric gentleman with a flair for the dramatic. His generous but flamboyant personality drives much of the comedy, and his fascination with Gerry sparks the romantic subplot. He represents the extravagance and frivolity of the elite class.

🎩 Wealthy 🤪 Eccentric 💖 Charm

Princess Centimillia (Mary Astor)

The Princess is an elegant, witty aristocrat who quickly takes a liking to Tom. Her playful and flirtatious nature adds charm to the story, embodying the theme of superficial grandeur and genuine affection.

👑 Aristocrat 😄 Playful 💕 Flirtatious

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Major Themes – The Palm Beach Story (1942)

Explore the central themes of The Palm Beach Story (1942), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

Deception is central to the plot, with characters adopting false identities and hiding their true intentions. The elaborate ruses highlight how appearances can be misleading and explore themes of honesty versus deceit in relationships.

💰 Wealth and Social Class

The story exaggerates the allure of wealth, showcasing characters seeking financial security and social status. The film satirizes the obsession with material possessions and the superficial charm of the wealthy elite.

💖 Romance and Reconciliation

Amidst the comedy of errors, genuine love and reconciliation emerge as characters realize their true feelings. The narrative emphasizes that authentic emotions are more valuable than social standing or material wealth.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Unlock the Full Story of The Palm Beach Story

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Palm Beach Story in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Palm Beach Story is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Palm Beach Story Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Palm Beach Story, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Palm Beach Story Summary

The Palm Beach Story Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Palm Beach Story with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Palm Beach Story Timeline

The Palm Beach Story Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Palm Beach Story that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Palm Beach Story Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Palm Beach Story

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Palm Beach Story: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Palm Beach Story