What Is My Dear Secretary About?
The premise of My Dear Secretary in 299 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling world of mid‑century publishing, ambition hums through newspaper offices and literary salons alike, and the line between personal desire and professional drive is deliciously thin. Owen Waterbury looms as a charismatic novelist whose name commands both admiration and gossip; his reputation as a carefree playboy is matched only by the restless energy that fuels his latest bestseller. Across town, Stephanie “Steve” Gaylord is an eager aspiring writer, clutching the hope that a foothold in the literary world will launch her own voice. When Steve lands the coveted position of Owen’s secretary, the arrangement feels like a dream come true—an apprenticeship beside a legend, a chance to absorb the rhythm of a successful author’s life.
The office becomes a stage where opposites collide: Owen’s erratic charm and impulsive whims clash with Steve’s disciplined determination and quiet confidence. Their interactions pulse with witty banter, a constant undercurrent of flirtation, and a competitive spark that keeps them perpetually one step away from both frustration and fascination. The atmosphere balances light‑hearted romance with a savvy look at the pressures of fame, painting their partnership as a lively dance of power and vulnerability. As Steve navigates the demands of a demanding boss, she discovers that the role of secretary is as much about managing ego as it is about managing schedules.
Beyond the clatter of typewriters and the glow of publishing contracts, the film weaves a broader meditation on marital competitiveness and responsibility. It asks how two creative spirits, each hungry for recognition, can coexist without eclipsing one another. The tonal blend of breezy comedy and earnest introspection invites the audience to wonder whether love can thrive amid the relentless chase for literary acclaim, and how the very qualities that draw them together might also test the limits of their partnership.
What Happens in My Dear Secretary?
The complete story of My Dear Secretary, from the first scene to the last, in 460 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Owen Waterbury Kirk Douglas is a successful novelist and notorious playboy who hires aspiring writer Stephanie ‘Steve’ Gaylord Laraine Day as his secretary, a dream come true for Steve who admires Owen and hopes to become a published author herself. She soon discovers that the egomaniacal Owen has cycled through a string of secretaries who quit under his temper and demanding ways, all while he drowns in debt and struggles to start a contracted novel despite a lucrative advance from his publisher. The couple marry, and Steve endures as Owen’s partner and secretary, the relationship feeding her own drive to write while he clings to a lifestyle built on charm and deceit.
Owen’s fragile ego buckles when his life becomes the raw material for a manuscript that includes a character based on his publisher, and the work is rejected for publication by a major house. The episode exposes Owen’s fear of losing control and his claim that he cannot have a wife who is also his secretary, prompting him to fire Steve and revert to his old pattern of hiring a glamorous admirer to take the post. In the midst of this, Steve steadfastly protects her own ambitions: she presents both her completed novel and Owen’s rejected manuscript to her former employer, Charles Harris, a major publisher who is romantically drawn to Steve. Harris, who is slyly perceptive, agrees to read both manuscripts and weighs their futures with care.
Harris ultimately finds Owen’s manuscript intriguing but standard, while Steve’s manuscript shines with originality, promise, and a depth that hints at literary prizes. This turn of events pushes Steve toward the reality of success, even as it strains the marriage and aggravates Owen, who pitches renewed jealousy and control over the narrative of their lives. Steve wrestles with the tension between loyalty and ambition, wondering whether publishing her own work will heal or wound the bond she shares with Owen.
As the publishing door opens for Steve, she pivots to secure a better future, hiring an attractive male secretary of her own to shoulder some of the attention Owen once demanded. This power shift ignites a fresh clash: Owen snaps and asserts that he will be the one to serve as her secretary, a reversal that brings the couple back to a heated negotiation about credit, voice, and ownership. Steve agrees, and she begins to narrate a book to Owen, drawing from their life together and shaping it into a narrative that reframes their relationship as literature rather than private drama. The couple’s arguments grow sharper as Owen resists the unflattering portrayal, yet they manage to weather the conflict and find a path back to companionship, acknowledging each other’s talent and continuing their complicated dance between desire, fame, and artistic integrity.
My Dear Secretary Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Owen hires Steve as secretary” to “They reconcile and stay together”. 12 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Owen hires Steve as secretary
Successful novelist and playboy Owen Waterbury hires aspiring writer Stephanie 'Steve' Gaylord as his secretary. Steve sees this as a dream come true and admires Owen's work, hoping to learn from him. Behind the charm, Owen's egotistical temperament has driven past secretaries to quit.
When:Opening Where:Owen's office
- 2
Debt and writer's block threaten the deal
Owen remains perpetually in debt and cannot begin the contracted novel that would pay his bills and secure a lucrative advance. Steve quickly becomes more than just a secretary, trying to keep him focused and productive. The pressure of looming deadlines strains their professional arrangement.
When:Early Where:Owen's office
- 3
Steve and Owen marry
Steve and Owen marry; Steve remains steadfast as she pursues her own writing while supporting him. The couple's personal life becomes deeply entwined with his literary career. Steve's perseverance forms the backbone of their volatile partnership.
When:Midpoint Where:Owen's home
- 4
Owen's life-based manuscript is rejected
Owen writes a novel based on events from his life, including a character based on his publisher. The manuscript is submitted for publication but is rejected, leaving Owen disappointed. The failure fuels tension between Owen and Steve as their finances and reputations hang in the balance.
When:Midpoint Where:Publisher's office
- 5
Owen fires Steve, returns to old habits
Owen declares that he cannot have a wife who is also his secretary and fires Steve. He quickly resumes hiring an admiring and attractive new secretary. Steve's removal from the staff marks a sharp turn in their marriage and collaboration.
When:Midpoint Where:Owen's office
- 6
Manuscripts go to Charles Harris
Steve takes her completed novel and Owen's rejected manuscript to her former employer, Charles Harris, a major publisher who is romantically attracted to Steve. Harris agrees to read both manuscripts, seeing potential in both the creative and personal dynamics. This meeting sets the stage for a publishing showdown.
When:Midpoint Where:Charles Harris's office
- 7
Harris reviews the manuscripts
Harris finds Owen's manuscript interesting but ordinary, while he believes Steve's manuscript is worthy of publication and possibly literary prizes. He asks Steve to consider publication despite the risk to Owen's ego. Steve weighs professional gains against personal loyalties.
When:Late Where:Harris's office
- 8
Steve changes her mind about publication
Steve initially refuses publication to spare Owen's fragile ego, but she changes her mind when Owen's continued philandering makes the situation untenable. Her decision signals a turning point that could redefine both their careers. Harris remains positioned to push the deal forward.
When:Late Where:Harris's office
- 9
Steve's book becomes a best-seller
Steve's manuscript is published and becomes a best-seller, shattering Owen's expectations and drawing intense attention to her. Owen's annoyance grows as Steve's success eclipses his own reputation. The dynamic between husband and wife shifts dramatically in the public eye.
When:Post-publication Where:Book launch / bookstores
- 10
Owen retaliates by reasserting control
To reassert control, Steve hires an attractive male secretary, prompting Owen to snap and declare that he will be her secretary again. The power balance between them tilts once more in Owen's favor. Steve's career, however, remains on a trajectory of its own.
When:Post-publication Where:Steve's office
- 11
Steve narrates their life to Owen
Steve agrees and begins narrating a book to Owen based on their life together. Owen strongly objects to the portrayal and the way she describes him, leading to a heated argument. Despite the clash, the two continue to engage with each other as collaborators.
When:Later Where:Owen's home
- 12
They reconcile and stay together
After the quarrel, Owen and Steve reconcile and get back together, continuing their strained but enduring partnership. The film closes with their complicated but stubborn bond intact. Steve remains an accomplished author while Owen remains a volatile but influential figure in her life.
When:Finale Where:Owen's home
Who Are the Main Characters in My Dear Secretary?
3 characters, among them Stephanie 'Steve' Gaylord (Laraine Day), Owen Waterbury (Kirk Douglas) and Charles Harris (Rudy Vallee): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Stephanie 'Steve' Gaylord (Laraine Day)
Played by Laraine Day
An aspiring writer who becomes Owen Waterbury's secretary. She endures his ego and frequent secretary churn, and she ultimately asserts her own voice by publishing her manuscript. Her perseverance drives the narrative and she evolves from admirer to independent author.
- 💡 Ambitious
- 🖋️ Writer
- 💪 Determined
-
Owen Waterbury (Kirk Douglas)
Played by Kirk Douglas
A successful novelist and perpetual playboy whose ego and financial troubles fuel his volatile temper. He relies on secretaries to avoid writing, and his jealousy intensifies as Steve's career flourishes. His push for control over Steve's life eventually clashes with her own ambitions.
- 💼 Ego
- 🖊️ Writer
- 💔 Jealousy
- CH
Charles Harris (Rudy Vallee)
Played by Rudy Vallee
A major publisher who is drawn to Steve and believes in her potential. He reads both manuscripts and recognizes Steve's talent as a serious candidate for publication, while Owen's work is deemed ordinary. Harris becomes a catalyst for Steve's literary breakthrough and a potential romantic interest.
- 💼 Publisher
- 💘 Romance
- 📚 Publication
What Are the Themes of My Dear Secretary?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Authorship, Marital Dynamics and Ambition vs Ego.
-
01
Authorship
The film centers on Steve's transformation from secretary to published author, validating her voice. Her manuscripts attract a major publisher, showing that talent can emerge from behind the scenes. The publishing process becomes a crucible for authority over one's own story. The story suggests that creative power can come from perseverance and self-belief.
-
02
Marital Dynamics
Steve and Owen's marriage is tested by ego and control. Owen treats his wife as a secretary, highlighting power imbalances in their relationship. Steve's growing success challenges Owen's fragile ego, turning love into rivalry. The film uses their relationship to explore the pressures of fame within marriage.
-
03
Ambition vs Ego
Owen's fame and debt drive him to cling to control and dismiss Steve's talent. Steve's ambition to publish her own work threatens Owen's status, revealing the tension between personal achievement and dependence. The turning point comes when Steve chooses to share her voice with the world, reshaping their dynamic. The ending suggests that success can redefine a relationship rather than annihilate it.
What Kind of Film Is My Dear Secretary?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A charming and witty romantic comedy that follows the playful power struggle between a charismatic but immature novelist and his ambitious secretary-turned-wife as they navigate professional rivalry and creative collaboration.
- romantic
- playful
- aspirational
- competitive
- charming
- bittersweet
- artistic rivalry
- marriage dynamics
- professional ambition
- creative struggle
Quiz
How well do you remember My Dear Secretary? Test yourself on the story.
