This is a near farce about a teenager who decides to rehabilitate a criminal by hiring him to work at her father's home. Her father was the judge that sentenced him.
I looked at this because Of Natalie Wood. She was only in the film for the last 20 minutes and only for about 10 minutes screen time. Yet,I wasn't at all disappointed. She's terrific in her few scenes.
There are three delightful performances here. Edward Arnold (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). He plays a senator who is also a thoughtful man and loving father. He's wonderfully relaxed in the role. Billy DeWolfe is one of the few obviously gay actors in Hollywood films of the 40's and 50's. Usually he is just given a couple of scenes as comic relief. Here is plays a significant role in the plot and mugs deliciously through every scene. Mona Freeman is the real star. She is hilarious as the sincere, liberal with a heart of gold who wants to reform all criminals through love and understanding. In a way she foreshadows Gale Storm in "My Little Margy." and Ann Margaret in "Bye, Bye, Birdie." William Seiter directed the classic Astaire-Rodgers film "Roberta". He keeps the laughs coming with a clean clear simple directing style.
If you want to see a beautiful piece of Americana from 1951, this is the film. It may not be Frank Capra, but this film seems to be taking place in the next town over from Pottersville.
It is a gentle giggle from start to finish.
