What Is That Wonderful Urge About?
The premise of That Wonderful Urge in 324 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling world of print journalism, where a catchy headline is worth its weight in ink, Thomas Jefferson Tyler operates with a cynic’s eye and a relentless drive. As a reporter who specializes in exposing the private lives of public figures, he sets his sights on Sara Farley, a wealthy grocery-store heiress whose fortune seems to invite public scrutiny. The atmosphere crackles with the energy of the newsroom and the polished veneer of high society, creating a backdrop where ambition meets privilege in a battle of wits.
To penetrate the heiress’s guarded world, Thomas adopts a carefully constructed alias, posing as Tom Thomas, a sympathetic small-town newspaper manager. This charade allows him close proximity to Sara during her vacation in Sun Valley, but the role requires a delicate balance between his professional duty to expose her and the genuine rapport that begins to form. The story thrives on this tension, inviting the audience to question the ethics of a journalist who lies to find the truth, and the true nature of a woman who may be more than just a tabloid subject.
The narrative takes a sharp turn when Sara discovers that the charming man she has been spending time with is actually the reporter responsible for a string of unflattering articles. Rather than retreating, she chooses to fight back with a scheme that is as audacious as it is theatrical. By impulsively claiming they are secretly married, she initiates a cascade of comic misunderstandings that threaten to upend both their lives.
This impulsive act sets the stage for a series of confrontations that blur the lines between personal vendettas and professional ruin. As the two square off, the stakes rise beyond simple bylines, pulling them into a whirlwind of unintended consequences. The film settles into a rhythm of sharp dialogue and situational comedy, leaving the audience to wonder how two people so determined to outmaneuver one another might ever find common ground.
What Happens in That Wonderful Urge?
The complete story of That Wonderful Urge, from the first scene to the last, in 214 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a sharp, witty setup, Thomas Jefferson Tyler is a newspaper reporter who writes a string of unflattering articles under the banner “The Life and Loves of Sara Farley,” targeting the wealthy grocery-store heiress Sara Farley. To coax her into speaking candidly, he adopts the persona of a sympathetic small-town newspaper manager named Tom Thomas. Through their conversations, he discovers that she is down-to-earth and capable of surprising warmth, prompting him to rewrite the piece in a much more favorable light. But when Duffy, Tom’s editor, reads the revised story, he fires Tom for crossing ethical lines. Hijinks ensue as Tom tries to clear himself, balancing pride, persistence, and a growing attraction.
Eventually, Tom sues Sara for libel, just as she begins to see a different side to him. The case is ultimately treated as a matter of the couple rather than a straightforward legal battle, and the judge, Judge Parker, makes remarks that steer the story toward a personal ending rather than newsroom sensationalism. Tom goes to Sara’s house and waits for her to declare his feelings. She reveals that she, too, has feelings, and together they confront the question of whether they were truly married. In a final twist of humor and romance, she answers with the line: > “let’s get married again”.
That Wonderful Urge Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Tom writes unflattering articles about Sara Farley” to “Marital reunion: 'let's get married again'”. 12 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Tom writes unflattering articles about Sara Farley
Thomas Jefferson Tyler launches a series titled The Life and Loves of Sara Farley that paints the heiress in a negative light. The articles inflame Sara's anger and set up a feud between journalist and subject. The pieces show how media can drive public perception and personal conflict.
Where:Newspaper office
- 2
Tom impersonates a sympathetic small-town manager to reach Sara
To obtain her side of the story, Tom assumes the alias Tom Thomas, a sympathetic local newspaper manager. He arranges a meeting with Sara and engages her in conversation under his assumed identity. The ruse yields material for a much different article about her.
Where:Small-town newsroom
- 3
Sara talks candidly and a kinder portrait emerges
Under the disguise, Sara speaks more openly about herself, revealing her down-to-earth side. Tom uses the conversation to craft a much softer article that reshapes her image. The deception blends professional maneuvering with genuine insight into her life.
Where:Newspaper office
- 4
Sara claims marriage to Tom and a million-dollar payoff
When the deception comes to light, Sara goes to the press and publicly claims that the two of them were married and that she had given him a million dollars. The revelation upends the public narrative and forces both sides to confront hidden motives. It also pushes Tom toward rethinking his feelings.
Where:Press conference
- 5
Duffy fires Tom after reading the story
Duffy, Tom's editor, is furious when he reads the conflicting piece and fires Tom on the spot. The dismissal forces Tom to fight to salvage his career and reputation. The newsroom becomes the arena where his credibility is tested and challenged.
Where:Editorial office
- 6
Tom tries to clear his name with hijinks
With his career on the line, Tom launches a series of misadventures to prove his version of events. The schemes backfire in humorous ways, complicating both his professional and personal life. Sara becomes both an obstacle and an unexpected ally as the plot unfolds.
Where:Town and various locations
- 7
Tom sues Sara for libel
Feeling wronged, Tom takes Sara to court to sue her for libel over the public statements and press coverage. The legal battle shifts from media ethics to personal confrontation, raising the emotional stakes for both of them. The courtroom becomes a stage for their conflicting emotions.
Where:Courtroom
- 8
Case dismissed as a couple's issue; judge's remarks
The judge dismisses the case, reframing the dispute as a matter between two people rather than a pure libel suit. His remarks prompt Tom to reevaluate the real source of his feelings for Sara. The ruling blurs the line between justice and romance in their story.
Where:Courtroom
- 9
Judge's remarks trigger realization of true feelings
In the aftermath of the ruling, the judge's comments strike a chord with Tom, revealing that his feelings for Sara run deeper than professional interest. He begins to acknowledge the emotional stakes behind their feud. This realization signals a turning point toward reconciliation.
Where:Courtroom
- 10
Tom goes to Sara's house to declare his feelings
Tom goes straight to Sara's house after the courtroom drama, waiting to hear her declare their connection aloud. The moment centers on whether words can finally express what has been growing between them. It marks a pivotal step toward balancing pride with vulnerability.
Where:Sara's house
- 11
Sara admits she has feelings too
Sara reveals that she too has developed genuine feelings for Tom, despite their earlier feud and deception. This confession shifts the power dynamic and paves the way for a hopeful union. The tension between personal and professional lines finally softens.
Where:Sara's house
- 12
Marital reunion: 'let's get married again'
Tom asks if they were really married, and Sara responds with a playful 'let's get married again.' The line caps their journey from adversaries to lovers and sets the stage for a second, more earnest union. The ending confirms their commitment to a future together.
Where:Sara's house
Who Are the Main Characters in That Wonderful Urge?
13 characters, among them Thomas Jefferson Tyler (Tyrone Power), Sara Farley (Gene Tierney) and Count André de Guyon (Reginald Gardiner): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- TJ
Thomas Jefferson Tyler (Tyrone Power)
Played by Tyrone Power
A witty, ambitious newspaper reporter who uses a staged persona to coax Sara Farley into talking about her life. He impersonates a small-town manager named Tom Thomas and becomes emotionally involved with the subject of his articles.
- 🗞️ Journalist
- 🎭 Deceiver
- 💘 Romantic lead
- SF
Sara Farley (Gene Tierney)
Played by Gene Tierney
A wealthy grocery-store heiress who is down-to-earth and perceptive. She initially resents Tom's deception but grows to see his genuine side, and she challenges social expectations with her own assertiveness.
- 💃 Heiress
- 🧭 Grounded
- 💖 Romantic lead
- CA
Count André de Guyon (Reginald Gardiner)
Played by Reginald Gardiner
A social figure in Sara Farley's circle whose presence highlights the high-society backdrop of the story. His role underscores the blend of romance and status in the drama.
- 🎩 Aristocrat
- 🕴️ Socialite
- DC
Duffy, Chronicle Editor (Lloyd Gough)
Played by Lloyd Gough
Tom's editor who fires him after the deception is exposed, catalyzing the ensuing legal and romantic complications.
- 🗞️ Editor
- 🧭 Authority
- MT
Monroe Township Jail Drunk (Percy Helton)
Played by Percy Helton
A minor jailhouse character whose presence punctuates the film with a touch of humor amid the social drama.
- 🏚️ Minor character
- 😂 Comic relief
-
Judge Parker (Gene Lockhart)
Played by Gene Lockhart
The judge who oversees the libel case and emphasizes that the conflict is ultimately a personal matter between the two leads.
- ⚖️ Judge
- 🏛️ Authority
-
Attorney Ketchell (Porter Hall)
Played by Porter Hall
One of the lawyers involved in the courtroom dynamics and legal maneuvering surrounding the libel dispute.
- ⚖️ Lawyer
- 🗣️ Legal drama
- AR
Attorney Rice (Taylor Holmes)
Played by Taylor Holmes
Another attorney contributing to the courtroom exchanges and the legal strategy around the couple's issue.
- ⚖️ Lawyer
- 🗣️ Legal drama
- W(
Whitson (Farley's Executive) (Richard Gaines)
Played by Richard Gaines
Farley’s executive, representing the corporate side of Sara's influential world as the social and business network shapes the drama.
- 💼 Executive
- 🕴️ Corporate
- JW
Jessica Woods (Arleen Whelan)
Played by Arleen Whelan
A character within Sara Farley's circle whose exact role isn't detailed in the provided summary but appears in the social milieu surrounding the leads.
- 👥 Supporting
- 🕊️ Social circle
- R(
Reporter (Robert McCord)
Played by Robert McCord
A member of the press who covers the evolving story and the fallout from Tom's deception.
- 🗞️ Reporter
- 🖊️ Media
-
Cornelia Farley (Lucile Watson)
Played by Lucile Watson
Sara Farley's mother, a figure within the family and social circle who embodies the heiress's influential background.
- 👩👧 Matriarch
- 🏰 Social elite
-
Homer Beggs (Chill Wills)
Played by Chill Wills
A minor character in the story, contributing to the movie's texture with a small-town presence.
- 🎭 Supporting
- 🗨️ Local color
Where and When Is That Wonderful Urge Set?
That Wonderful Urge is set in Monroe Township, Newspaper Office and Courthouse. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Monroe Township, Newspaper Office, Courthouse
Monroe Township serves as a quintessential American small town setting where a bustling local newspaper and a courthouse anchor daily life. The story moves between Sara Farley's opulent social circle, the newsroom, and the courthouse, highlighting how gossip shapes public perception. Key scenes unfold in the town's newspaper office and in the legal arena, reflecting the community's appetite for scandal.
- 🏡 Small town
- 🗞️ Local press
- 🏛️ Courtroom drama
What Are the Themes of That Wonderful Urge?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deception & Truth, Romance & Reconciliation and Justice & Ambiguity.
-
01
Deception & Truth
Tom adopts a fabricated persona to coax Sara into talking about her life, testing the line between fiction and reality. Sara's response to the deception exposes her independence and longing for honesty. The revelation of the ruse leads to conflict and a chance for genuine connection. The film uses a mix of wit and romance to explore how truth can emerge from manipulation.
-
02
Romance & Reconciliation
The relationship evolves from initial conflict to reluctant attraction as both characters confront pride and social expectations. Their feelings survive the storm of deception, prompting a reconsideration of what they want from each other. In a final twist, they lean into a second chance at love, embracing marriage again.
-
03
Justice & Ambiguity
The libel dispute sits at the intersection of law and personal feeling, emphasizing how courts may mirror private conflicts rather than crimes. The judge frames the case as a ‘couple’s issue,’ underscoring that public perception matters as much as legal arguments. The outcome highlights forgiveness and mutual understanding over punishment.
What Kind of Film Is That Wonderful Urge?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A charming and lighthearted romantic comedy full of playful deception and witty banter, creating a consistently cheerful and whimsical atmosphere.
- whimsical
- romantic
- playful
- lighthearted
- charming
- impersonation
- romantic comedy
- misunderstandings
- journalism
- social class
Quiz
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