Love Is a Headache Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Love Is a Headache
| Movie | Love Is a Headache |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | Richard Thorpe |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 73 minutes (1h 13m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Love Is a Headache (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Love Is a Headache are led by Gladys George . The supporting cast, including Franchot Tone and Ted Healy , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Love Is a Headache stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Love Is a Headache has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Love Is a Headache
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, Love Is a Headache is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Richard Thorpe, written by Marion Parsonnet. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Gladys George as Carlotta 'Charlie' Lee.
Ending Explained: Love Is a Headache
Love Is a Headache Ending Explained: A press agent for a Broadway actress whose career is going downhill attempts to get her some publicity by having her adopt two orphans, without her knowledge. Directed by Richard Thorpe, this 1938 comedy film stars Gladys George (Carlotta 'Charlie' Lee), alongside Franchot Tone as Peter Lawrence, Ted Healy as Jimmy Slattery, Mickey Rooney as Mike O'Toole. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Love Is a Headache?
A press agent for a Broadway actress whose career is going downhill attempts to get her some publicity by having her adopt two orphans, without her knowledge.
How Does Gladys George (Carlotta 'Charlie' Lee)'s Story End?
- Gladys George: Gladys George's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Franchot Tone (Peter Lawrence): Franchot Tone's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ted Healy (Jimmy Slattery): Ted Healy's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Love Is a Headache Mean?
Love Is a Headache's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Gladys George may feel rushed. Richard Thorpe's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Love Is a Headache Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Love Is a Headache Based on a True Story?
No, Love Is a Headache is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Richard Thorpe and starring Gladys George may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Love Is a Headache?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Gladys George or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 73 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Love Is a Headache Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about Love Is a Headache age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Love Is a Headache (1938) is 73 minutes (1h 13m). Directed by Richard Thorpe, the film runs for 73 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Love Is a Headache is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Love Is a Headache worth watching?
Love Is a Headache is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Love Is a Headache parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Love Is a Headache identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Love Is a Headache (1938)?
The runtime of Love Is a Headache (1938) is 73 minutes (approximately 1h 13m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
