Hollywood screenwriter Mark (Dick Powell) wants to work on a serious script involving juvenile delinquents, so his cop buddy places him in custody of a teenage girl (Debby Reynolds) for inspiration, as cops do. This arrangement would keep her out of jail for the Christmas holiday. Jealous fiancé hijinks ensue.
This is the second film in a row where Powell plays a Hollywood screenwriter, after his penultimate film (The Bad and the Beautiful). Glenda Farrell (I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang) is Mark’s secretary and Alvy Moore (Green Acres) is his personal assistant. Adorable Anne Francis (Forbidden Planet) is his fiancé. Though we never learn her character’s age, Francis was only two years older than Reynolds. We aren’t to like her so she plays the Ice Queen.
Ignoring the absolute absurdity of the premise, this is a witty and charming story. What cannot be ignored is the creep factor. 35 year old Mark, played by 49 year old Powell, is paired with seventeen year old Susan (22 year old Reynolds). And, no, she doesn’t turn 18 by the end of the film.
Mark, despite his difficulties, is living the white male fantasy that only the 1950’s could give voice to. Cool job, cool apartment, surrounded by helper-friends and beautiful, amorous women, and has a fully stocked bar. Moore's Virgil is his foil. Purposeless job, little respect, and the ladies won't give him a second look. He and Farrell's Maude also serve the purpose of validating Mark's interest in an underage girl. That's very important, isn't that right Woody?
It feels icky to like Susan Slept Here as much as I do. There's not a ton of chemistry between the leads, but it was a very entertaining watch. AMRU 3.
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