The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer (1947) Review
Picture this: a trio of legendary movie stars teaming up for a comedy that’s bound to grab your attention. That’s exactly what you get in the 1940s romantic comedy, “The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer.” It’s a film like no other – one that stands out in its own unique way.
In the movie, Susan Turner (played by Shirley Temple) is a seventeen-year-old high school student who thinks she’s already quite grown-up. She’s lost interest in her basketball player boyfriend and her fellow students. Then one day, during a school assembly, she meets Richard Nugent (Cary Grant), an art lecturer who’s quite worldly. Susan is instantly smitten, but there’s a catch – Richard is significantly older than her.
That very night, Susan’s sister, Margaret Turner (Myrna Loy), a practical and successful judge, finds out about Susan’s new crush. Margaret is sure that Susan will soon move on from this infatuation, especially since the man her sister likes is the same troublesome defendant who appeared in her courtroom that morning.
Every once in a while, I come across a classic film that I absolutely love, and this screwball comedy is one of those gems. My initial interest was sparked by the chance to see Shirley Temple in one of her later roles, beyond the child actor we all knew. Growing up, I watched many of her films, so seeing her in a different light was intriguing.
There’s an infectious charm about this film. While today’s audiences might find the plot unusual, if you watch it with the same sense of humor it was made with, it’s an enjoyable experience. The script makes it clear that Richard isn’t thrilled about “courting” Susan, and nothing inappropriate happens between them.
The script, which won an Oscar, was written by the same person who later created popular TV shows like “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Hart to Hart.” Given its witty nature, it’s no surprise the film received such recognition.
The cast is fantastic, bringing the clever script to life with sparkling wit. Myrna Loy is often remembered for her roles in “Cheaper By the Dozen” and “The Thin Man,” while Cary Grant has numerous beloved roles to his name. (He and Loy also starred together in “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.”) Ray Collins from “Perry Mason” co-stars, and it’s a delight to see Shirley Temple. She’s as charming as ever, reminiscent of the films that made her America’s sweetheart.
“The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer” is a must-watch for fans of classic romantic comedies. It might not be the most famous or zaniest film out there, but it’s definitely underrated. Overall, it offers plenty of fun scenes and features a talented cast who know how to create movie magic.
Content-wise, aside from a few minor innuendos, there’s nothing offensive.
You can catch “The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer” on DVD, and it may also air on local TV listings.
