La segretaria privata: A Flirty, Fun Ride, If You Don't Mind the Old Ways

Alright, if you’re into digging up old Italian films, specifically those early talkies, then La segretaria privata (or “The Private Secretary”) from 1933 might just be your cup of tea. It’s a pretty straightforward romantic comedy, or maybe a light drama with comedic bits. If you love a good dose of vintage charm and don't mind a slower pace, you’ll probably find something to smile about here. But if you’re hoping for modern sensibilities or a twisty plot, you might find yourself checking the clock. 🕰️

The setup is classic 1930s. We meet Elsa Merlini’s character, a bright, bubbly girl looking for a job and, let's be real, a rich husband. Times were tough, right? She lands this secretarial gig at a bank, which sounds promising enough.

Enter Nino Besozzi, playing the dashing director. Now, this is where the fun starts. He flirts with her, but he’s doing it on the sly, not letting on who he actually is. And because she’s got standards and a bit of fire, she brushes him off. It’s a whole song and dance, the classic "will they/won't they" built on a misunderstanding. You can almost see the gears turning in her head, trying to figure him out. Merlini has this wonderful way of looking annoyed but also intrigued.

The office itself is a character, kind of. There are these wide shots of busy typists and clerks. You get a sense of the era, the clatter of machines, the hustle. It’s not flashy, but it feels authentic. One particular scene in the main office area, with all the desks lined up, really sticks out. It's just a sea of people doing very important, very 1930s, bank work.

Besozzi, as the director, plays his part with just the right amount of cheeky arrogance. He’s trying to be charming, but also a little too sure of himself. His smile, you know, it’s one of those smiles. He just assumes he’ll win her over.

The whole "he doesn't tell her who he is" thing? Yeah, it drags a bit. You’re waiting for the reveal, and it takes its sweet time. It’s a plot device that works, but it could’ve been tightened up a notch or two. You kinda just want to shout at the screen, "Just tell her already!"

Elsa Merlini, though. She’s the real reason to watch. Her expressions are great. One moment she's all wide-eyed innocence, the next she's giving a side-eye that could curdle milk. There’s a scene where she’s dictating a letter, and her face just lights up when she thinks about her crush. It's a small detail, but it sells her character.

The fashion is pretty cool too. Her dresses, those hats! 👒 They’re very period-appropriate, of course, but you can tell some thought went into making her look chic, even when she’s supposed to be just a secretary. It’s that blend of practicality and elegance that defined the era.

What’s interesting is how much of the film relies on these small, almost domestic, moments. Conversations in crowded cafes, walks in a park. It doesn't rely on big, dramatic set pieces. It's all about the interplay between the characters.

There's a moment near the end, when the truth finally comes out. Her reaction? It's not explosive, more like a quiet disappointment mixed with a little bit of "I knew it!" It feels real, not overblown. You can almost feel her weighing her options.

The film doesn't try to be anything more than what it is. It’s a simple story, told simply. There aren't any huge surprises, but sometimes that's exactly what you want. It’s like a warm, familiar blanket on a chilly evening. ☕

Some Quick Bits I Noticed:

• The main bank set, with all its pillars and grand scale, felt a little empty in some shots. Like they couldn't quite fill it with enough extras.
• There's a scene where a minor character trips over a rug. Totally unnecessary, but it got a small chuckle out of me. It felt very unscripted.
• Nino Besozzi’s character has this signature little eyebrow raise he does. He does it like three times. By the third time, it’s almost his trademark.
• The sound quality sometimes dips, but hey, it's 1933. You expect a little crackle. It adds character, honestly.
• I kept wondering if her apartment was always that tidy, even when she was struggling. Movie magic, I guess. ✨

So, yeah, La segretaria privata is a decent watch if you’re in the mood for some old-school Italian romance with a sprinkle of mild comedy. It's not going to change your life, but it’s a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half. Just remember, it's from a different time, and it moves at its own speed. Don’t expect a modern rom-com pace. It’s more of a stroll than a sprint. 🚶‍♀️