Socialite Pat Reynolds (Ida Lupino) is forced to become the "smart girl" of the title when her wealthy father commits suicide, leaving nothing but a pile of debts. Pat sets up a successful hat-designing business, providing the sole support for herself and her sister Kay (Gail Patrick). So devoted is Pat to Kay's welfare that she stands by in stoic silence as Kay begins romancing Pat's sweetie Nick Graham (Kent Taylor).
Ida Lupino
as Pat Reynolds
Kent Taylor
as Nick Graham
Gail Patrick
as Kay Reynolds
Joseph Cawthorn
as Karl Krausemeyer
Pinky Tomlin
as Hans Krausemeyer
Sidney Blackmer
as Harry Courtland
Greta Meyer
as Mrs. Krausemeyer
Claude King
as James Reynolds
Fern Emmett
as Miss Brown
Boothe Howard
as Donovan
Louise Brien
as Helen Barton
Jerry Tucker
as Boy
