The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer 1947
Directed by
Irving Reis
Made by
RKO Radio Pictures
Plot Summary
Margaret and Susan Turner are two sisters sharing a home, bound by their unique personalities. The 17-year-old Susan is an exceptionally bright high school student, known for her fleeting passions, often inspired by the guest lectures at her school. Margaret, a judge, assumes the role of guardian to her younger sister.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Richard Nugent, a charming artist played by Cary Grant, finds himself in Margaret’s courtroom. He faces charges from assistant district attorney Tommy Chamberlain, portrayed by Ray Collins, for allegedly inciting a brawl at a nightclub. However, when it becomes apparent that the altercation stemmed from two women competing for Richard’s attention, Margaret admonishes him but ultimately releases him.
Later, Richard visits Susan’s school as a guest speaker, and it’s there that Susan becomes irresistibly drawn to him. Captivated by his charm, she expresses a desire to model for him, leading to a daring escape from home later that night. Dressed elegantly for the occasion, she sneaks into Richard’s apartment while he is out.
Upon Richard’s return, chaos ensues as Tommy and Margaret confront them, leading to a physical altercation between Richard and Tommy. To defuse the situation, their uncle, Matt Beemish—also the court psychiatrist—intervenes. He suggests allowing Susan to date the much older Richard until her infatuation fades, and Tommy agrees to dismiss the assault charges if Richard complies.
At a high school basketball game, Richard attempts to aid Susan’s reputation concerning her ex-boyfriend, Jerry White. During a school picnic, Susan convinces Richard to participate in various novelty races, yet Richard struggles against Tommy, who triumphs repeatedly. In a climactic performance during an obstacle course event, Susan persuades Jerry to assist Richard, primarily because Jerry still harbors feelings for her. He strategically sabotages the other competitors, allowing Richard to secure victory.
Amid the humorous predicaments, Richard and Margaret are clearly drawn to one another, but Tommy, viewing Richard as a perpetual troublemaker, lays claim to Margaret. To alleviate the tension, Tommy proclaims that he is dropping charges against Richard, hoping this will discourage Margaret’s burgeoning affections for him. As Richard and Margaret attempt a night out at a nightclub, their evening is disrupted for comedic effect. In a moment of drama, Susan accuses Margaret of hijacking her new boyfriend, prompting Uncle Matt to step in. He gently helps Susan realize that her feelings for Richard are merely infatuation and encourages her to reconnect with Jerry, who is preparing to go off to the military.
In a twist of fate, Matt devises a plan when he learns about Richard’s plans to leave town. He convinces Margaret that a getaway is exactly what she needs, booking her on the same flight as Richard. When Tommy arrives at the airport to wrongfully apprehend Richard, Matt cleverly misleads the authorities into believing Tommy is a delusional mental patient. Eventually, Richard and Margaret find themselves pleasantly surprised to meet at the airport, ready to embark on their new journey together.
Timeline
Introduction of the Sisters
Margaret and Susan Turner are introduced as two sisters who navigate life together under one roof. While 17-year-old Susan is an exceptionally bright student with changing interests, Margaret, a judge, takes on the role of her guardian in their shared home.
Richard Nugent's Court Appearance
Richard Nugent, a charming artist, finds himself in Margaret's courtroom facing charges brought by assistant district attorney Tommy Chamberlain. The situation arises from a brawl at a nightclub, spurred by two women vying for Richard's attention, leading Margaret to release him after a stern warning.
Susan's Infatuation Begins
Richard visits Susan’s school as a guest speaker, and she becomes instantly captivated by his charm. Encouraged by her fascination, Susan expresses her desire to model for him, marking the beginning of her adventurous pursuit.
The Daring Escape
That same night, Susan elegantly sneaks out of her home to visit Richard at his apartment. This impulsive decision leads to unexpected chaos as she plans to spend time with the man she is drawn to.
Confrontation at Richard's Apartment
When Richard returns home, a confrontation ensues involving Tommy and Margaret, culminating in a physical altercation between Richard and Tommy. Their uncle, Matt Beemish, steps in to quell the chaos and proposes a solution.
Matt's Proposal
In an effort to resolve the tension, Uncle Matt suggests that Richard should date Susan until her infatuation fades. He also informs Tommy that the assault charges will be dropped if Richard agrees, allowing Susan to pursue her attractions within a structured environment.
Support at the Basketball Game
At a high school basketball game, Richard steps in to help improve Susan's reputation with her ex-boyfriend Jerry White. The event showcases Richard's desire to support Susan amidst the challenges of teenage romance.
Novelty Races at the Picnic
During a school picnic, Susan encourages Richard to partake in novelty races, where his competitive spirit is put to the test. However, Tommy consistently bests him, adding another layer of rivalry to their interactions.
Obstacle Course Victory
In a thrilling moment during an obstacle course, Susan persuades Jerry to help Richard sabotage the other competitors. This strategic move ultimately leads Richard to secure victory, showcasing the camaraderie between Susan and Richard.
Tommy's Jealousy
Amidst the comical situations, Richard and Margaret's attraction grows, while Tommy remains skeptical, considering Richard a troublemaker. To complicate matters, Tommy claims he will drop the charges against Richard, hoping this will deter Margaret's affections.
Night Out Foiled
Margaret and Richard attempt a night out at a nightclub, but their evening takes a comedic turn when Susan accuses Margaret of stealing her new boyfriend. This drama forces Uncle Matt to step in and help Susan reflect on her feelings.
Matt's Revelation
Matt realizes Richard plans to leave town and devises a plan to ensure Margaret's happiness. He books them both on the same flight, setting the stage for an unexpected reunion.
Tommy's Misguided Pursuit
When Tommy arrives at the airport to wrongfully apprehend Richard, Matt cleverly deceives the authorities. He misleads them into believing that Tommy is a delusional mental patient, securing Richard's freedom.
Surprise Reunion
As expected by Matt's plan, Richard and Margaret unexpectedly meet at the airport. Their shared journey ignites new possibilities as they prepare to embark on their next chapter together.
Characters
Richard Nugent (Cary Grant)
Richard is a charming artist whose charisma inadvertently draws the attention of both Susan and Margaret. Despite his troublemaker reputation, he shows a sincere and caring side, particularly in his interactions with Susan. His journey through misunderstandings and comedic situations reveals a longing for deeper connections.
Susan Turner
Susan, the younger sister, is a bright high school student whose passion for life leads her to develop an infatuation with Richard. Her character embodies the spirit of youth and exploration, causing her to act impulsively yet with an innocent desire for love. As the story progresses, she learns about the nature of her feelings and the importance of her relationships.
Margaret Turner
Margaret serves as both a protective guardian and a professional judge. Her character showcases strength and authority while revealing vulnerability as she navigates her growing affection for Richard. Her position allows her to balance familial responsibilities and personal desires, which brings depth to her character.
Tommy Chamberlain (Ray Collins)
Tommy is the assistant district attorney and represents the voice of reason amidst the chaos. His protective instincts towards Margaret often place him at odds with Richard, depicting a rivalry that is both comedic and heartfelt. His character development demonstrates the challenges of love and rivalry.
Matt Beemish
Matt is the uncle and court psychiatrist who plays a pivotal role in guiding the younger characters through their emotional struggles. His wisdom and clever schemes often provide humorous solutions to conflicts, showcasing the importance of familial support in navigating relationships.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary time period reflective of the mid-20th century, characterized by traditional values juxtaposed with the emerging youth culture of the time. It highlights the dynamics of relationships and societal expectations, particularly regarding age differences and romantic pursuits.
Location
Courtroom, School, Nightclub, Airport
The story unfolds in various locations, primarily a courtroom where Margaret, the judge, presides over cases. The high school serves as a backdrop for Susan's infatuation with Richard, while the nightclub becomes a site of chaos and confrontation. Finally, the airport symbolizes new beginnings and unexpected reunions as characters navigate their relationships.
Themes
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Infatuation
Infatuation is a central theme as Susan develops a strong but fleeting attraction to Richard, showcasing the often tumultuous feelings of young love. This theme is further complicated by Margaret's own feelings for Richard, highlighting the complexities of relationships across different age groups. The characters navigate these emotions with humor and drama, leading to personal growth and realizations.
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Comedy of Errors
The film is marked by comedic misunderstandings and chaotic situations, from courtroom antics to the hilarious escape attempts. The interactions between Richard, Susan, and Margaret bring about a light-hearted tone, even amid moments of tension. These comedic elements serve to normalize the absurdities of love and attraction, making the narrative enjoyable and relatable.
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Competition
Competition plays a significant role, evident during the high school basketball game and novelty races. Richard's rivalry with Tommy reveals underlying tensions, while Susan's attempts to navigate this competition showcase her growth. The theme emphasizes the playful yet serious nature of competition in relationships and the personal journeys characters undergo through these encounters.
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