The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer

Susan is seventeen and fixed on the painter Richard Nugent, whom she saw give a talk at school. Her sister Margaret is a judge and had recently seen the man in court over a brawl. One night Susan gets into Nugent's studio and is found there; the matter grows. The judge issues a ruling: Nugent will spend time with Susan until the infatuation passes and the girl tires of him herself. He has to accept. So a grown man starts going on picnics, dancing and moving among teenagers. Irving Reis directs. Cary Grant plays Nugent, Myrna Loy plays Margaret and Shirley Temple plays Susan. The film won the Oscar for best original screenplay. The method is classical comedy of misunderstanding and the courtroom scenes give it its frame. Shirley Temple was known as a child star and this film comes from the period of her move to adolescent parts. What may be found uncomfortable now is the premise itself; the narrative treats the situation entirely as comedy. Cary Grant's playing is physical; the character is constantly in a situation he does not want and carries it in his face. The production proceeds in the known shape of postwar American comedy. Who it is for: viewers who like classic Hollywood comedy and Cary Grant. Who it is not for: the basic premise is uncomfortable now, the humour has dated, and the ending can be guessed.