Traveling Saleslady (1935) Colorized

Traveling Saleslady (1935) — Buy This Classic in Color

Released in 1935, Traveling Saleslady is a fast-paced screwball comedy directed by Ray Enright and starring the irresistible duo Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell, alongside William Gargan. The story follows two savvy women who challenge the male-dominated world of soap sales, turning a family feud into a hilarious battle of wits and romance. With sharp dialogue and energetic performances, this pre-Code gem sparkles with the spirit of the Great Depression era. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Angela Twitchell (Joan Blondell) is a bright, ambitious young woman who returns home to find that her father, a wealthy soap manufacturer, has been outmaneuvered by a ruthless competitor. Determined to save the family business, Angela proposes a radical new sales strategy: hire an all-female sales force. But her father’s old-fashioned boardroom dismisses her ideas, so she teams up with her sharp-tongued friend, “Patent Leather” Liz (Glenda Farrell), a veteran traveling saleswoman with a flair for the unconventional.

Together, Angela and Liz form their own company and begin selling “Twitchell’s Suds” door-to-door, using charm and wit to outbid the established male salesmen. Their success catches the eye of rival executive Steve (William Gargan), a handsome but skeptical salesman who initially tries to block their efforts. As the sales war heats up, Steve finds himself falling for Angela, while Liz keeps the laughs coming with her street-smart antics.

Complications arise when Angela’s father discovers her independent venture and threatens to disown her. Meanwhile, a wealthy eccentric, Mr. McGregor (Hugh Herbert), becomes an unlikely ally, funding their operation in exchange for a share of the profits. The women must navigate corporate sabotage, jealous competitors, and their own growing romantic entanglements.

The climax builds to a high-stakes sales convention where Angela and Liz present their revolutionary methods to the industry. Steve, caught between loyalty to his company and his feelings for Angela, must decide whose side he is really on. The film races toward a final showdown that leaves the audience wondering whether love can triumph over business—and whether two women can truly outsmart an entire industry.

In the end, the resolution hinges on a surprising double-cross and a public confession that reshapes all the characters’ futures. Does true partnership—both in love and in business—win the day? You’ll have to watch this colorized classic to find out.

Cast & Crew

Director: Ray Enright
Stars: Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell, William Gargan, Hugh Herbert, Grant Mitchell

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized edition brings Traveling Saleslady to life in a way that black-and-white never could. The 1930s fashions—from Liz’s bold hats to Angela’s elegant dresses—pop with period-accurate hues, while the sets of small-town hotels and bustling sales offices gain warmth and texture. The colorization reveals the intricate details of Art Deco interiors and the subtle mood shifts in romantic scenes, making the performances feel more immediate. Joan Blondell’s mischievous gleam and Glenda Farrell’s sly smiles are enhanced by the restored vibrancy. This version invites you to experience the film as if it were made yesterday, but with all the charm of the original era. Don’t wait—download your copy in color today for just €15.00, instantly delivered in DRM-free MP4 format.

Historical Significance

Traveling Saleslady (1935) arrived at the tail end of the pre-Code era, a period when Hollywood films could still tackle unconventional themes with surprising frankness. The film’s premise—two women outsmarting an entire male-dominated industry—was unusually progressive for its time. Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell, already famous as a comic duo after Gold Diggers of 1933, brought a rare combination of grit and glamour to their roles. Director Ray Enright, a Warner Bros. veteran, kept the pace brisk and the laughs sharp, making this one of the studio’s most delightful programmers.

Critics at the time praised the film’s snappy dialogue and the chemistry between its leads. Variety called it “a brisk and entertaining comedy” with “plenty of box-office punch.” While never considered a major classic, Traveling Saleslady remains a valuable snapshot of Depression-era attitudes toward women in business. Its themes of entrepreneurship and gender equality still resonate today. The film also showcases the comedic genius of Hugh Herbert, whose eccentric characters became a staple of 1930s comedy. By colorizing this movie, we preserve its historical charm while introducing its wit and spirit to a new generation of viewers.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: 1080p Full HD
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 63 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Did Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell perform any of their own stunts in Traveling Saleslady?
A: No major stunts are reported, but both actresses were known for doing their own physical comedy. In Traveling Saleslady, the physical humor—like wrestling with sample cases and dodging angry customers—was performed by the stars themselves.

Q: Is the soap company “Twitchell’s Suds” based on a real brand from the 1930s?
A: No, it is a fictional product created for the film. However, the intense competition between soap manufacturers was a real industry reality during the Depression, making the comedy feel authentic.

Q: Why is the film considered a “screwball comedy” rather than a standard romantic comedy?
A: Screwball comedies are defined by fast repartee, physical humor, and battle-of-the-sexes plots. Traveling Saleslady fits perfectly: the women use clever schemes and slapstick to outmaneuver men, and the romance between Blondell and Gargan emerges from their verbal sparring.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Red and the White (1967)
• Flash Gordon (1936)
• Lizzie (1957)
• Forsaking All Others (1934)
• Return of the Bad Men (1948)