Theodora Goes Wild Poster

Theodora Goes Wild 1936

★ 6.649 votes94 min📅 1936-11-12

"RIOTOUS ROMANTIC COMEDY!"

Picture a sleepy New England town where a prim minister's daughter secretly pens a daring bestseller under a pseudonym—until a charming illustrator cracks her disguise and drags her into the wild side.

Director: Richard Boleslawski

Cast

Irene Dunne
Irene Dunne
Theodora Lynn
Melvyn Douglas
Melvyn Douglas
Michael Grant
Thomas Mitchell
Thomas Mitchell
Jed Waterbury
Thurston Hall
Thurston Hall
Arthur Stevenson
Elisabeth Risdon
Elisabeth Risdon
Aunt Mary
Margaret McWade
Margaret McWade
Aunt Elsie
Spring Byington
Spring Byington
Rebecca Perry
Nana Bryant
Nana Bryant
Ethel Stevenson
Henry Kolker
Henry Kolker
Jonathan Grant
Leona Maricle
Leona Maricle
Agnes Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Theodora Goes Wild (1936) about?

When small-town minister's daughter Theodora Lynn pens a scandalous bestseller under a pseudonym, she never expects a dashing illustrator to uncover her secret—and drag her into a whirlwind of romance and rebellion.

Who directed Theodora Goes Wild?

The film was helmed by Richard Boleslawski, a director known for blending sharp wit with emotional depth in classic Hollywood comedies and dramas.

Who stars in Theodora Goes Wild?

The heart of the film belongs to Irene Dunne and Melvyn Douglas, supported by Thomas Mitchell, Thurston Hall, and Elisabeth Risdon.

Is Theodora Goes Wild (1936) worth watching?

With its razor-sharp dialogue, charming leads, and rebellious spirit, *Theodora Goes Wild* is a delightful slice of Pre-Code comedy that holds up beautifully. If you enjoy witty romances with a dash of mischief, it's well worth your time.

How long is Theodora Goes Wild?

The film runs for 94 minutes, perfect for a breezy evening of classic cinema.

🎥 Trailer

About Theodora Goes Wild (1936) — Irene Dunne's playful rebellion in a sparkling Pre-Code comedy

Picture a sleepy New England town where a prim minister's daughter secretly pens a daring bestseller under a pseudonym—until a charming illustrator cracks her disguise and drags her into the wild side. Directed with slick energy by Richard Boleslawski, *Theodora Goes Wild* (1936) is a razor-sharp romantic comedy that pits prim propriety against playful rebellion. Irene Dunne radiates mischievous charm as Theodora Lynn, the sheltered author 'Caroline Adams,' while Melvyn Douglas twinkles as the roguish Michael Grant, who believes he's freeing her from small-town suffocation—only to discover his own cage. The film crackles with witty banter, cheeky satire, and a rebellious spark that feels delightfully ahead of its time.

Beneath its feather-light surface, the movie explores themes of authenticity versus expectation, with a tone that balances satire and sincerity. The clash between Lynnfield's uptight elite and Theodora's scandalous writing creates a fertile ground for comedy, while the leads' chemistry crackles with playful tension. Shot through with Douglas's breezy charisma and Dunne's deft comic timing, *Theodora Goes Wild* remains a gem of Pre-Code Hollywood—smart, sassy, and utterly entertaining.