The Men in Her Life  The Men in Her Life is a 1941 period drama film directed by Gregory Ratoff and starring Loretta Young, Conrad Veidt and Dean Jagger. It is an adaptation of the 1932 novel "Ballerina" by the British writer Eleanor Smith. It was nominated for the 1941 Academy Award for Best Sound Recording (John P. Livadary), but lost to "That Hamilton Woman". The sets were designed by the Russian-born art director Nicolai Remisoff. A nineteenth century circus performer becomes a celebrated dancer, but has trouble balancing her romantic and family aspirations with her career.