The Affairs of Martha

Once Upon a Thursday was the original released title of The Affairs of Martha, a 1942 Marsha Hunt vehicle from the MGM B-picture mills. The delightful Hunt plays Martha Lindstrom, a humble maid for the Sommerfield family. Falling in love with young Jeff Sommerfield (Richard Carlson), she marries him in a secret ceremony. As a source of extra income, Martha writes a pseudonymous autobiography, throwing her community into an uproar, since every family assumes that it is their maid who has penned the best-selling tome. Deftly directed by Jules Dassin, The Affairs of Martha was given a surprisingly big buildup by MGM, including a preferred slot in the studio's annual coming-attractions trailer; the extra "push" paid off at the box-office in spades. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide