Reckless (also known as Born Reckless and Hard to Handle) is a 1935 American musical film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Jean Harlow, William Powell, Franchot Tone, and May Robson. David O. Selznick wrote the story, using the pseudonym Oliver Jeffries, basing it loosely on the scandal of the 1931 marriage between torch singer Libby Holman and tobacco heir Zachary Smith Reynolds, and his death by a gunshot wound to the head.
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Plot
Musical stage star Mona Leslie, jailed for reckless driving, is bailed out by her friend, sports promoter, and gambler Ned Riley, to headline a charity event. However, she finds that all the seats have been bought by wealthy Bob Harrison Jr., president and only member of S.A.M.L. (the Society for the Admiration of Mona Leslie). Mona begins dating Bob, with Ned's approval. Mona's Granny tells Ned that her granddaughter would break off her relationship with Bob if he asked her to. Ned is reluctant at first, but eventually buys a wedding ring. However, he is too late.
One night, while they are very drunk, Mona and Bob get married. The next day, Mona is pleased, but Bob becomes depressed when he considers what his upper class friends and family will think, especially his father, Colonel Harrison, and his fiancée and friend since childhood, Jo Mercer. Though Jo welcomes Mona without resentment, the colonel and the rest of Bob's social circle are cold toward her. Bob wants to run back to New York, but Mona advises him to stay and stick it out.