The Adams family is struggling while father is ill. Alice Adams (Katharine Hepburn) is the young daughter and mother sees father as a failure. Older brother Walter is a gambler and an embarrassment for hanging out with blacks. Mother pushes Walter to escort Alice to a big dance given by Henrietta of the wealthy Lambs. Father's employer Mr. Lamb still pays him despite his lengthy illness. Alice meets wealthy Arthur Russell (Fred MacMurray) at the dance who likes her despite her lack of status. Mother pushes father to take the glue formula he developed for Mr. Lamb and start a risky new glue factory. Mr. Lamb is angered by father's leaving. Mother and Alice try to put on airs by throwing a lavish dinner for Russell but it goes all wrong.
Katharine Hepburn is a little wrong to be this insecure young thing. Nevertheless, she makes it work and is the best aspect of the movie. The parents' arguing keeps them from being too funny. Fred MacMurray is a bit stiff but Hepburn acts her heart out.
Katharine Hepburn is a little wrong to be this insecure young thing. Nevertheless, she makes it work and is the best aspect of the movie. The parents' arguing keeps them from being too funny. Fred MacMurray is a bit stiff but Hepburn acts her heart out.