1949 was a year of middle-aged film stars suddenly deciding to go to college. Loretta Young did it in "Mother is a Freshman", Fred MacMurray did it in "Father was a Fullback", and Clifton Webb does it here, as middle-aged Mr. Belvedere, who is in such a hurry to graduate that he announces to unbelieving ears that he will complete the 4 year curriculum in one year. Then, he will be eligible for a literary prize that he covets. He does just that, although we never see him attend a class, raising the suspicion that his is an honorary degree..........As usual, Webb plays a pomptious character. Here, he is mostly entertaining in arrogantly demonstrating ,time and again, that he is a supergenius, although he is made to wear a freshman beanie. He is also a superathlete, who ties the school record for high jump, with himself 27 years ago!? ...........Meanwhile, cute, charming, Shirley Temple is a journalism senior and editor of the school newspaper. Initially, she is shocked that such a well-known author is just starting college. After a while, they have a falling out, and Shirley refuses to let him into her apartment, hence he is arrested as an apparent peeping Tom when he attempts to enter by other means than the door. Her on again-off again romance with Tom Drake("Meet me in St. Louis") takes up much of the time not devoted to Mr. Belvedere's doings. Unexpectedly, we eventually learn that she is a widow, with a 5 year old boy, which she has been hiding from the college and from Drake. Just why she feels ashamed of this status isn't clear to me. Initially floored by this revelation, Drake pleads that this doesn't compromise his love for her. However, Shirley refuses to believe this, which serves as a point of contention for some time. Eventually, she relinquishes, and they graduate with Mr. Belvedere..........Shirley's post-little girl film career was very hit or miss, involving various studios. This was the only Fox film she did after starring with them as a little girl and this was her final year of appearing in Hollywood films. It was also the year she divorced her abusing first husband, who costarred with her in her next film. Despite frequent criticisms of her acting and roles during this period, I always look forward to seeing her in these films, as well as her classic little girl films. I've seen nearly all, now...........The film is available to rent at YouTube, or to buy at Amazom.com.
Clifton Webb as a witty 'know-it-all', while Shirley Temple is charming eye candy and romantic bait for Tom Drake
26 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers