The Devil and Miss Jones 1941

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.