Thanks for the Memory is a romantic comedy about a struggling writer who decides to stay at home and work on his novel while his wife takes a job outside the home. The role reversal brings both humor and strain to their marriage as domestic challenges, financial pressures, and jealousy over outside attractions test their love. The story offers a lighthearted yet heartfelt look at modern marriage, responsibility, and companionship.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: George Archainbaud
George Archainbaud (1890–1959) was a French-born American director whose career spanned the silent and sound eras. He directed over 100 films and later became well known for his work in early television. Though he directed across multiple genres, he specialized in comedies, mysteries, and later westerns. Archainbaud was admired for his efficiency, versatility, and ability to bring out warmth and humor in character-driven stories.
Star Cast:
- Bob Hope as Steve Merrick
- Shirley Ross as Anne Merrick
- Charles Butterworth as Gil Morrell
- Otto Kruger as Arthur Westlake
- Hedda Hopper as Mrs. Westlake
- Patricia Wilder as Gloria
- Emma Dunn as Mrs. Plunkett
- Barnett Parker as Norval the Butler
The film was warmly received as a charming comedy that capitalized on the popularity of Bob Hope and Shirley Ross, who had recently performed together in the hit song “Thanks for the Memory” in The Big Broadcast of 1938. Audiences enjoyed the witty banter, marital comedy, and relatable premise. While not a major production, it was appreciated for its light touch and served as another stepping stone in Bob Hope’s rising Hollywood career.
Fun Facts:
- The film was directly inspired by the success of the song “Thanks for the Memory,” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1938.
- Bob Hope and Shirley Ross were paired again after their musical success, making this film a vehicle to showcase their chemistry.
- The story was based on the play Up Pops the Devil by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, which had also been adapted into a 1931 film.
- Hedda Hopper, who appears in the film, later became one of Hollywood’s most powerful gossip columnists.
- The film helped solidify Bob Hope’s screen persona as a witty, slightly bumbling romantic lead.
- Although modest in scale, it reflected 1930s Hollywood’s fascination with comedies about gender roles and modern marriage.
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