Little Man, What Now? is a 1934 pre-Code American drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Margaret Sullavan. It is based on the 1932 novel of the same name by Hans Fallada. The novel had been turned into a German film the previous year. The film was a box-office disappointment for Universal.
Contents
Plot
In Germany in the early 1930s, a young couple are struggling against poverty. Hans is a small business agent. He is happily married to Emma, whom he affectionately calls "lämmchen" (small lamb). They must keep their marriage a secret in order for Hans to retain his job, as his boss wants him to marry the boss' daughter. However, Hans loses his job when the truth emerges. Hans and Emma stay with his stepmother in bustling Berlin to find success. Hans secures a small job in a department store. Hans and Emma discover that his stepmother is really a notorious madam who runs an exclusive brothel.
Cast
Margaret Sullavan as Emma "Lammchen" Pinneberg
Douglass Montgomery as Hans Pinneberg
Alan Hale as Holger Jachman
Catherine Doucet as Mia Pinneberg (as Catharine Doucet)
DeWitt Jennings as Emil Kleinholz
G.P Huntley as Herr Heilbutt (as G.P. Huntley Jr.)
Muriel Kirkland as Marie Kleinholz
Fred Kohler as Karl Goebbler
Mae Marsh as Wife of Karl Goebbler
Donald Haines as Emil Kleinholz Jr.
Christian Rub as Herr Puttbreese
Alan Mowbray as Franz Schluter