Come Out of the Kitchen

Plot

As described in a film magazine, Claudia Daingerfield (Clark) is the resourceful daughter of an old and invalid Southern aristocrat Mr. Daingerfield (Stevens). All that remains of his property is a fine old Virginian country house, barely maintained by Claudia, her sister Elizabeth (Kaye), her brothers Paul (Barker) and Charles (Hackett), and their African-American cook Mammy Jackson (Miller), who is still loyal to the household. When father goes North to consult a great physician, there is no money left when news comes that a costly operation must be performed. There is only one way this expense can be met, and that is by accepting an offer by Northerner Burton Crane (O'Brien) for temporary lease and occupation of the fine house for $3,000, though he insists on having only white servants. As a result, the members of the former high-born Southern family take the servant positions, with Claudia as cook, her sister Elizabeth as maid, and her brothers as a butler and general worker. Then ensues a comedy with the family performing domestic service to people less kind and appreciative, with Claudia struggling in an attempt to cook for the entire family until she is forced to call upon the services of Mammy Jackson and keep her out of sight with ingenious and amusing devices. Claudia bravely steers through this sea of trouble while fascinating the Northerners staying at the house. Burton Crane slowly falls in love with her and seriously thinks of taking her out of the kitchen, thinking she is a wonderful cook. He comes across a miniature of her, but when it disappears he accuses the older brother of stealing it and has him discharged. One by one the members of the family who took positions as servants are discharged until only Claudia remains. After a telegram arrives stating that her father has survived the dangerous operation causes Claudia to falter, and Burton discovers what has been going on. Recognizing her superb plunk, Burton asks her to become his wife.

Cast