There Goes My Heart

There Goes My Heart

Year: 1938

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: Norman Z. McLeod

RomanceComedy

An heiress, tired of her privileged life, assumes a modest position as a department‑store clerk, where she meets a man from a humble background. Though they fall in love, a looming fortune and family expectations threaten their relationship, forcing both to confront what truly matters.

There Goes My Heart (1938) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at There Goes My Heart (1938) 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 glittering world of high society, Joan Butterfield finds the trappings of wealth increasingly hollow. Fed up with a life dictated by family expectations and the endless parade of luxury, she slips away from a lavish yacht and heads for the bustling streets of New York City, determined to taste a more ordinary existence. The city’s frenetic energy and its everyday rhythms promise a freedom she has never known, offering a stark contrast to the gilded corridors she leaves behind.

Seeking anonymity, Joan adopts a modest alias and takes a position as a salesgirl in a department‑store, where the simple pleasures of a morning shift and the camaraderie of coworkers become her new constants. It is here that she encounters Bill Spencer, a quick‑witted reporter eager for a story that juxtaposes aristocratic privilege with the working‑class grind. Drawn together by curiosity and an unspoken yearning for authenticity, their interactions spark a tentative romance that feels both daring and inevitable amid the store’s bright lights and the city’s relentless pace.

Joan’s friendship with Peggy O’Brien, a warm‑hearted fellow employee, provides a grounding presence as she navigates this unfamiliar world. Peggy’s street‑smart generosity and her willingness to open her home give Joan a glimpse of genuine connection beyond the gilded veneer of her past. Meanwhile, the looming presence of Joan’s grandfather, the family patriarch, casts a shadow of obligation that hints at the delicate balance she must maintain between love, independence, and the expectations of her lineage.

The film unfolds as a gently humorous, romantic drama that celebrates the clash between opulence and ordinary life. Its tone is lyrical yet playful, inviting viewers to wonder whether true happiness lies in wealth and status or in the simple, heartfelt moments that blossom when two worlds converge.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:08

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Explore Movie Threads

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 There Goes My Heart

Whimsical tales where love blossoms across social divides, leading to playful deceptions.If you enjoyed the charming romance and playful class dynamics of There Goes My Heart, you'll love these other movies. This thread gathers feel-good stories where love triumphs over social divides, featuring whimsical misunderstandings and ultimately happy endings similar to this 1938 screwball comedy.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist who, often willingly, steps out of their privileged or constrained life and encounters love in an unexpected place. A central secret—be it hidden wealth, a false identity, or a hidden agenda—creates comedic tension that is resolved when truth and love prevail, reaffirming personal connection over societal expectation.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific blend of light tone, romantic optimism, and a central narrative built on class disparity and hidden identities. They deliver a consistently charming and upbeat experience with low intensity and a focus on witty dialogue and satisfying romantic conclusions.

Playful Screwball Comedies with a Vibe like There Goes My Heart

Fast-talking, witty stories where chaotic situations lead to romantic bliss.Fans of the witty dialogue and playful energy of There Goes My Heart will enjoy these similar screwball comedies. Discover movies that share its light tone, steady pacing, and focus on charming romantic pursuits fueled by comedic misunderstandings, perfect for viewers seeking optimistic and humorous stories.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central romantic pairing who are brought together and driven apart by a series of escalating, comedic misunderstandings often related to profession or social standing. The plot is propelled by clever dialogue and a steady pace of events, culminating in a public or dramatic reconciliation that reveals the truth and solidifies the relationship.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are united by their specific comic rhythm—a blend of steady pacing, light tone, and high humor score. They prioritize clever writing and character-driven antics over complex plots or heavy drama, creating a cohesive viewing experience defined by charm, wit, and romantic optimism.

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There Goes My Heart Summary

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There Goes My Heart Summary

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There Goes My Heart Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in There Goes My Heart

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Characters, Settings & Themes in There Goes My Heart

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