Dick Powell is a struggling Hollywood writer, struggling, you see, to write serious material when he's known for writing froth for Jane Russell and such actors such as her. And, he's won an Oscar, too! In fact, the Oscar narrates the beginning of the film! When a female juvenile delinquent is arrested just before Christmas, she is brought to him, because the cop, who's a friend of Dick Powell's, thinks he is a nice enough guy to keep her for a few days, because you can't throw the book at her just before Christmas. Enter Debbie Reynolds, who was really 21 at the time, playing the 17-year-old juvenile delinquent, 6 months before turning 18. Dick Powell was 49 at the time, playing a 35-year-old in the movie. And, what do you think happens! In an intro to the movie, Robert Osbourne from TCM said considering the premise and the situation that Dick's thrown in in the film, you'd think there would have been outraged viewers and groups boycotting the movie. But there was barely much made of it at all, at the time this film came out in the movie theaters. It is a pleasant, fun little film with charming actors. But for some reason, I found myself losing interest in the last 30 minutes or so. I think that, after the novelty of the film wears off the viewer, it's just not that captivating. There's not enough zip to it, despite the presence of Debbie Reynolds, and Dick Powell never looking more handsome. This would be his last acting role in a film; he would only direct films from then on until his premature death. Glenda Farrell gives good support and livens up the picture to a point. After watching this, you'll probably be glad you did, but will wind up thinking it wasn't as good as you thought it would be considering the stars involved.
Review of Susan Slept Here
