Love Is a Headache (1938)

In the dazzling world of Broadway, renowned actress Carlotta Lee, affectionately known as Charlie, finds herself caught in a series of professional failures that threaten not only her career but her financial stability. On the other side of town, Peter Lawrence, a charismatic New York gossip columnist and part-time radio host, wields his influence. Both Peter and Charlie share a past, their roots intertwined in the same neighborhood where they blossomed from Pete and Charlie, two childhood sweethearts, into celebrities in their own right. Despite their shared history, Peter isn't hesitant to guide Charlie's career through his column, hoping she'll make the choices he believes are best for her. When tragedy strikes their old neighborhood, claiming the life of their childhood friend, Buckteeth O'Toole, and leaving his two sons, Mike and Jake, orphaned, Peter uses his influential platforms to seek a loving home for the boys. They face an uncertain future in an orphanage where they risk being separated. Spotting an opportunity to bolster Charlie's public image, her savvy press agent, Jimmy Slattery, orchestrates a publicity stunt: Charlie will adopt the O'Toole boys. Unbeknownst to Charlie, she becomes a mother overnight, thrown into the spotlight with her newfound family. Peter recognizes the publicity stunt and its potential harm to the children. Yet, amidst the chaos, a genuine bond forms between Charlie and the boys, leading her to sincerely embrace motherhood. As Charlie battles to keep her unconventional family together, she and Peter plunge headlong into a whirlwind of mishaps. With Peter aiming to protect the boys and Charlie fighting to keep them, the lines of love and conflict blur, creating a captivating tale of love, fame, and unexpected family ties.

Love Is a Headache is a comedy movie featuring Franchot Tone and directed by Richard Thorpe.

Love Is a Headache is currently streaming on TCM.