By Your Leave 1934

Henry Frank Morgan and Ellen Genevieve Tobin Smith are a middle-aged married couple living in the suburbs of New York, where their once-bright routine has cooled the spark in their relationship. Henry feels the spice has vanished, while Ellen remains more content with their lot in life. When a sudden financial windfall comes their way, Henry suggests they each take separate vacations to test the waters.

In the city, Henry heads into New York’s nightlife and teams up with Skeets Gene Lockhart as they hit the town, chasing a sense of liberation and novelty. The two end up pursuing Gloria Dawn Glor[i]a Dawn, Addie McPhail and her friend Merle Shirley Chambers, Broadway dancers who represent the allure and risk of a life lived out loud. After a few days of quiet at home, spent with Whiffen Margaret Hamilton, the committed housekeeper, Ellen decides that what is good for the goose is good for the gander and heads to the city herself for a taste of freedom.

Upon arriving, she meets the world-traveling David McKenzie Neil Hamilton. Meanwhile, Henry reconnects with an old friend, Freddie Wilkins Glenn Anders, who promises him a memorable night and, unknown to Henry, plans to set Ellen up for a similar encounter. Freddie arranges a date for Henry with a prostitute, while he himself makes a move to seduce Ellen. Henry escorts his date to a hotel, but Freddie’s scheme presses forward and Ellen’s interactions begin to unfold under the shadow of both of their adventures.

Andree Marian Nixon, an open and adventurous companion, accompanies Henry on his night out and then heads back to his hotel suite. McKenzie, with his easy charm, invites Ellen aboard his yacht after dinner, hinting that he sails the following day and asking her to run away with him.

Back in Henry’s suite, the pace of the night becomes clear to him, and he realizes things are moving too fast. Fearful of what might come, he slips away and returns to the familiar suburbs. Ellen, meanwhile, is drawn to McKenzie’s attentions but retains a sense of hesitation, telling him she will give him an answer in the morning. After he departs, she wrestles with her feelings and returns to the security of her own room, torn between the thrill of possibility and the comfort of the life she shares with Henry.

When dawn arrives, both Henry and Ellen recognize the depth of their affection and decide to stay true to each other, choosing to reconcile and reaffirm their commitment to the family and life they have built together.