The Hard Way is a 1943 Warner Bros. musical drama film starring Ida Lupino, Dennis Morgan, and Joan Leslie. Directed by Vincent Sherman, it is based on a story by Irwin Shaw which was reportedly based on Ginger Rogers' relationship with her first husband, Jack Pepper (whom she married in 1928 at age 17) and her own mother, Lela.
Plot
Helen Chernen (Ida Lupino) is an ambitious woman, determined to escape poverty in a dirty steel town. She pushes her younger sister Katie (Joan Leslie) into a marriage with singer/dancer Albert Runkel (Jack Carson). Katie has no interest in the man, but is desperate for a better life. Runkel's partner Paul Collins (Dennis Morgan) realizes Helen's deeper intentions and tries to stop her from breaking Runkel's heart.
Once risen into wealthier surroundings, Helen tries to make a start on Katie's career. After showcasing her in Runkel's act, she is able to put her in a Broadway production. Katie soon becomes a successful singer and actress, and Collins and Runkel's act flounders. Runkel can't bear being away from his wife on tour and refuses to live off her earnings or even use his wife's name to promote himself. He eventually commits suicide.
Meanwhile, Katie's popularity goes to her head, and she becomes a wild party girl, losing an important opportunity. She later meets with Paul, who is now a successful band leader. He falls in love with her, and they start a relationship. However, Katie is forced to choose between him and appearing in Helen's first play. She chooses the play over Paul, who has asked her to marry him, and he leaves. Before the play, Paul comes to see Katie to wish her luck, but Helen runs him off and the sisters fight over the motivation for Katie's success.
During the play, Katie forgets lines and has to be cued several times before collapsing in the middle of the production. Later that evening, after recovering, Katie tells Helen that she never wants to see her again. Paul appears and the two profess their love for each other.
Cast
Ida Lupino as Mrs. Helen Chernen
Joan Leslie as 'Katie' Blaine
Dennis Morgan as Paul Collins
Jack Carson as Albert Runkel
Gladys George as Lily Emery
Faye Emerson as Ice Cream Parlor Waitress
Paul Cavanagh as John "Jack" Shagrue
Dolores Moran as Young Blonde (uncredited) Emory Parnell as Policeman (uncredited)
Production
Both Bette Davis and Ginger Rogers initially were offered the role of Helen, but both declined. Ida Lupino was cast. Irwin Shaw wanted Howard Hawks or William Wyler to direct the film, but because they were busy with other projects, producer Jerry Wald hired Vincent Sherman.
Portions of a documentary film by Pare Lorentz were used to represent the mining town of Green Hill. To achieve a more realistic feel during the scenes that took place in Green Hill, neither Lupino nor Leslie wore makeup.
The film's first and last scenes were added at Jack L. Warner's insistence, who also demanded that Lupino appear more glamorous in the film’s opening.
Reception
In 1992 Halliwell's Film Guide called the picture an "Unconvincing but well mounted drama."