Three Little Girls in Blue 1946

In 1902 Red Bank, New Jersey, three sisters of modest means — Pam Charters, Liz Charters, and Myra Charters — inherit a chicken farm from their aunt. They soon realize that the windfall is not enough to secure the wealth they imagine, so they decide to pool their inheritances, believing that if one of them lands a wealthy husband, the other two will find it easier to do the same. Pam poses as a wealthy heiress, Liz as her social secretary, and Myra as a maid, presenting a united front to the glittering world they hope to enter, while maintaining the illusion that each sister plays her proper social role.

They head to Atlantic City, check into a luxurious hotel, and immediately cross paths with Steve Harrington, a genuine millionaire who sends a bottle of champagne to Pam. Meanwhile, Myra meets Mike Bailey, a waiter who is drawn to her. A third man, Van Damm Smith, joins the scene the next day when the trio’s plan—to pretend to drown in order to attract Steve—goes awry, adding a new pair of complications to the pursuit of money and romance.

Steve and Van both court Pam, while Myra and Mike fall in love in earnest. Yet Steve begins to feel an attraction toward Liz, complicating the arrangement. When Van proposes to Pam, she confesses the truth about their money-minded scheme, and he reveals that he is not truly rich either and is playing the same game for financial gain. The two decide to end their romance and pursue wealth in their own ways, but Van steps in to help by encouraging Pam to reveal her real feelings to Steve. Steve then proposes to Pam, and she accepts, entangling the couples in a delicate balance of affection and ambition.

The story moves toward resolution after a trip to Harrington’s Maryland family home, aided by Steve’s sister Miriam Harrington. In the end, Steve realizes he is in love with Liz, Van and Pam choose to be together, and Mike and Myra are married, bringing the tale to a close with the promise of a more grounded future for all of them.