What Is The Devil and Miss Jones About?
The premise of The Devil and Miss Jones in 349 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling heart of New York, a vast department store looms as both a symbol of modern consumerism and a flashpoint for growing labor unrest. Though the shop’s glittering displays attract shoppers from every walk of life, whispers circulate through its aisles about a concealed proprietor whose wealth eclipses the city’s skyline. When disgruntled employees begin chanting the unknown owner’s name and even mount an effigy in protest, the tension crackles like a neon sign on a rainy night, promising a clash between opulent power and everyday ambition.
Enter the enigmatic tycoon John P. Merrick, who, driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to quell the discord, chooses an unconventional path: he abandons his polished executive trappings and slips into the shoe department’s backroom as a humble clerk. There, he encounters the warm‑hearted and quick‑witted Mary Jones, a diligent shop assistant whose optimism lights the drab corners of the sales floor. Alongside her stands Joe O’Brien, a passionate organizer whose commitment to his fellow workers hints at deeper ideals, while the refined and steady presence of Elizabeth Ellis offers a calming counterpoint to the store’s frantic rhythm. Each of these characters embodies a different facet of the bustling retail world, setting the stage for unlikely friendships and subtle rivalries that pulse beneath the polished counters.
The film moves with a breezy, screwball elegance, blending witty dialogue with the kinetic energy of a busy department store. Its tone balances lighthearted comedy with an undercurrent of social commentary, inviting audiences to watch the dance between privilege and perseverance without sacrificing humor. A bright palette of neon signs, polished mahogany, and bustling city streets frames the narrative, while the ever‑present hum of cash registers and marching footsteps underscores the story’s lively tempo.
As the undercover magnate navigates the labyrinth of employee break rooms, stockrooms, and sales floors, a delicate web of intrigue begins to form. The very act of blending in forces him to reckon with perspectives far removed from his boardroom, hinting at revelations that could reshape both his identity and the future of the store’s spirited workforce.
What Happens in The Devil and Miss Jones?
The complete story of The Devil and Miss Jones, from the first scene to the last, in 455 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Cantankerous tycoon John P. Merrick Charles Coburn goes undercover as a shoe clerk at Neely’s, one of New York’s landmark department stores, to identify agitators aiming to form a union after seeing a newspaper photo of his employees hanging him in effigy. In disguise as Thomas Higgins, he lands in the shoe department and quickly befriends Mary Jones Jean Arthur, a kind clerk, and her recently fired boyfriend Joe O’Brien Robert Cummings, a dedicated union organizer. Merrick’s undercover days begin to blur the line between employer and employee as he observes the day-to-day grind of the workers, and his empathy grows toward their struggles. Alongside this, he finds himself attracted to Elizabeth Ellis Spring Byington, a gentle, steady presence within the store.
During a sunlit beach day at Coney Island with coworkers, Joe’s resourcefulness—helping someone avoid arrest by reciting the >Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence<—gives Merrick a glimpse of the workers’ humanity and ideals, reshaping his view of the conflict between labor and management. Afterward the trio returns to the city; Merrick, now more sympathetic, joins Joe, Elizabeth, and Mary on the sand, where the three nap as the waves roll in. Unbeknownst to them, Merrick watches as Joe and Mary discuss their hopes for the future and the union drive before the truth behind “Thomas Higgins” is quietly revealed.
As they head home by subway, Merrick slips out a card that confirms his undercover role in the Merrick camp. The moment sparks tension: Mary realizes John is not just a sympathetic observer, but the very manager in disguise, and she confronts Joe with the truth. The two attempt to retrieve the accidental evidence from the manager’s office but find themselves trapped in a precarious power play.
Back at the store, the manager tricks the group into handing over the list of potential strikers. Realizing the deceit, John and Mary reclaim the document and destroy it by eating it, after which Mary uses the intercom system to call for a store-wide strike.
In the days that follow, workers picket Merrick’s home. John decides to reveal his true identity and arranges a meeting with Mary, Elizabeth, and Joe to discuss terms, supported by his staff. They are initially unaware of his identity, but when it is revealed, Joe faints, Mary screams, and Elizabeth stares at John in disbelief as he asks whether she would rethink her stance about marrying a rich man. The scene cuts to a wedding party aboard a cruise liner, showing a joint wedding: John has married Elizabeth and Mary has married Joe, with all the store employees in attendance. The party is rounded out by the reveal that John has paid for the group to take a Hawaiian vacation.
The Devil and Miss Jones Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Merrick goes undercover at Neely's” to “Celebration and final gesture”. 13 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Merrick goes undercover at Neely's
Cantankerous tycoon John P. Merrick disguises himself as a shoe clerk named Thomas Higgins and is posted into Neely's to identify union agitators. He keeps his real identity hidden as he learns the daily life of the employees and their grievances. This undercover mission sets the stage for the rest of the story.
Where:Neely's Department Store, New York
- 2
New alliances in the shoe department
Merrick befriends fellow clerk Mary Jones and her recently fired boyfriend Joe O'Brien, a labor organizer. He also begins to observe the dynamics of the shop floor and the workers' camaraderie. He starts to understand their grievances from inside the operation.
Where:Neely's Shoe Department, New York
- 3
Romance grows; Merrick sympathizes with workers
As he spends time with the crew, Merrick's attitudes soften toward the workers' plight. He also becomes increasingly connected to Elizabeth Ellis, a sweet-natured clerk, which deepens his emotional stake in the situation. His undercover mission begins to feel personal.
Where:Neely's Department Store, New York
- 4
Coney Island beach day and Joe's aid
During a beach day at Coney Island, Joe helps avoid an arrest by reciting the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. John listens in on the conversations and the coworkers share a relaxed afternoon, strengthening their bonds. The seaside outing becomes a turning point in their relationships.
Where:Coney Island, New York
- 5
The stolen list
On the beach, Joe drops a list of employees willing to strike. John pretends to wake from a nap and seizes the opportunity to grab the list without anyone noticing. This act marks a critical moment in the undercurrent of the union tension.
Where:Coney Island Beach, New York
- 6
Return home on the subway; undercover revealed
The trio travels home via subway, and John drops a card revealing his undercover identity to Merrick's workers. Mary immediately suspects that John is more than a friend, complicating the dynamics of trust and loyalty. The revelation sets the stage for escalating conflicts.
Where:Subway car, New York
- 7
Confrontation with the store manager begins
The group confronts the store manager in his office, and John berates him for how the workers are treated. The manager remains unaware of John's true identity, but the confrontation amplifies the strain between labor and management. Tensions within Neely's reach a flashpoint.
Where:Store manager's office, Neely's
- 8
The deceit about the strike list
The store manager tricks the group into handing over the strike list, exploiting their efforts to push for change. Realizing the deceit, John and Mary resolve to reclaim control of the information and resist manipulation. The power dynamics between management and workers become clearer.
Where:Neely's store, manager's office
- 9
Destruction of the list and call to action
John and Mary reclaim the lists and destroy it by eating it, symbolically erasing the manager's leverage. Mary uses the store intercom to urge the entire shop to join the strike, turning internal frustration into organized action. The strike begins to spread through the store.
Where:Neely's store, intercom system
- 10
Pickets at Merrick's home
In the days that follow, all employees come out to picket Merrick's home, demonstrating growing solidarity. John decides to reveal his identity and arranges a meeting with Mary, Elizabeth, Joe, and the staff to discuss terms. The movement moves from protest to negotiation.
Where:Merrick's home, New York
Show the other 3 events of The Devil and Miss Jones Hide the last 3 events
- 11
The big reveal and reaction
The truth about John’s undercover identity is revealed during the meeting. Joe faints, Mary screams, and Elizabeth stares in disbelief as John asks Elizabeth if she would reconsider her stance on marrying into wealth. The revelation binds the couples in a new arrangement.
Where:Merrick's residence / store staff meeting
- 12
The wedding on the cruise liner
The film cuts to a wedding party on a cruise liner, revealing that John has married Elizabeth and Mary has married Joe. The ceremony symbolizes the unions formed through love and solidarity. The moment confirms a new harmony between the lovers and their colleagues.
Where:Cruise liner
- 13
Celebration and final gesture
The party includes all of the store employees, and John reveals he has paid for everyone's Hawaiian vacation. It serves as a celebratory finale, cementing the bond between the workers and their now-united families. The movie ends on a note of communal joy and closure.
Where:Onboard the Hawaiian vacation
Who Are the Main Characters in The Devil and Miss Jones?
4 characters, among them John P. Merrick / Thomas Higgins (Charles Coburn), Mary Jones (Jean Arthur) and Joe O'Brien (Robert Cummings): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- JP
John P. Merrick / Thomas Higgins (Charles Coburn)
Played by Charles Coburn
A cantankerous tycoon who goes undercover as a shoe clerk to root out agitators, John’s experience with the workforce awakens sympathy for his employees. His growing empathy shifts him from command to collaboration, and he develops a romantic connection with Elizabeth. He ultimately embraces a more equitable view of workers’ rights and responsibilities.
- 🧑💼 Rich
- 🕊️ Redeemed
- MJ
Mary Jones (Jean Arthur)
Played by Jean Arthur
A sweet-natured clerk who befriends John and Joe, Mary is central to the union narrative. She becomes an ally in the push for fair treatment and inspires others with her courage, while navigating her own relationship with Joe. Mary’s pragmatism and loyalty anchor the group’s solidarity.
- 👩💼 Clerk
- 👐 Ally
- JO
Joe O'Brien (Robert Cummings)
Played by Robert Cummings
A labor union organizer whose actions—relying on principle and the Bill of Rights—help avert trouble with authorities. Joe’s idealism clashes with the store's power but ultimately aligns with John’s mission. His romance with Mary links worker struggles to personal commitments.
- 🧑💼 Organizer
- 💪 Idealist
-
Elizabeth Ellis (Spring Byington)
Played by Spring Byington
A sweet-natured clerk who attracts John and embodies a humane perspective within the store’s social web. Elizabeth represents the possibility of a future where love and fairness can coexist with ambition. Her relationship with John highlights the film’s themes of trust and sacrifice.
- 💞 Love Interest
- 🕊️ Compassion
Where and When Is The Devil and Miss Jones Set?
The Devil and Miss Jones is set in New York City, Neely's Department Store and Coney Island. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
New York City, Neely's Department Store, Coney Island
The story unfolds around a bustling New York department store and its surrounding urban life. Neely's serves as the central workplace where workers organize and resist management. A beach day at Coney Island provides a contrasting backdrop of leisure that sharpens social tensions and sparks personal realizations. The setting highlights the clash between corporate power and collective action in the city.
- 🗽 New York City
- 🏬 Department Store
- 🏖️ Coney Island
What Are the Themes of The Devil and Miss Jones?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Labor Union, Love and Class and Identity and Deception.
-
01
Labor Union
The film centers on worker solidarity and the risks of organizing against a powerful employer. The struggle to protect jobs, secure fair treatment, and expose deceit drives the plot. An undercover manager's awakening reveals a deeper empathy for the labor force and their grievances.
-
02
Love and Class
Romance blossoms across social boundaries: a wealthy executive discovers affection for workers and contemplates a future with Elizabeth, while Joe and Mary’s relationship grows through shared goals. The love stories become catalysts for personal change, challenging assumptions about wealth and loyalty. The finale frames a partnership that unites lovers and coworkers alike.
-
03
Identity and Deception
A disguise as a mild-mondaine shoe clerk compels Merrick to confront his own biases and responsibilities. The undercover ruse blurs lines between employer and employee, prompting introspection about power, integrity, and what it means to stand up for others. The revelation of his true identity reshapes loyalties and moral choices.
What Kind of Film Is The Devil and Miss Jones?
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 witty romp that follows a cantankerous billionaire's undercover adventure, where sharp social satire blends with workplace antics and culminates in a delightfully optimistic double wedding.
- whimsical
- charming
- upbeat
- sociable
- hopeful
- witty
- class and society
- labor unions
- undercover boss
- romantic entanglements
Quiz
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