Right off the bat I'll say I hated this movie. But it was refreshing to see Joan playing a part in her own age range instead of trying to pass for younger and more beautiful, as she had been doing for most of her parts since turning forty. This is a soft drama with a few comedic touches about a congresswoman (Joan) who returns to her college to receive an honorary degree. Actually, she really returns to see old beau Robert Young, now the president of the college. She's followed along by her annoying reporter ex that's in love with her.
Crawford's performance is mixed. Most of the time she's solid but there are scenes where she acts like she's never been in a movie before. Particularly the more sentimental scenes. Young is good, even with the added gray to his hair and the mustache designed to make him appear older. Robert Lovejoy is terrible. His character type -- the guy who won't take no for an answer but if he just keeps pushing eventually the woman will give in -- is a gross one that unfortunately popped up often in older films. Modern day stalkers must watch movies like this and long for the old days when no meant yes. I couldn't stand this obnoxious a-hole. The saving grace of the film is Eve Arden. How many times has that been the case? If I made a list of great actresses who played supporting parts but should have been leading ladies, she would be number one. The only bad thing I'll say about her is this: Eve and Joan were apparently having a "worst hair" contest in this movie and Eve won. Anyway, this is a poor effort with few bright spots and a huge downer of a romantic plot.
Crawford's performance is mixed. Most of the time she's solid but there are scenes where she acts like she's never been in a movie before. Particularly the more sentimental scenes. Young is good, even with the added gray to his hair and the mustache designed to make him appear older. Robert Lovejoy is terrible. His character type -- the guy who won't take no for an answer but if he just keeps pushing eventually the woman will give in -- is a gross one that unfortunately popped up often in older films. Modern day stalkers must watch movies like this and long for the old days when no meant yes. I couldn't stand this obnoxious a-hole. The saving grace of the film is Eve Arden. How many times has that been the case? If I made a list of great actresses who played supporting parts but should have been leading ladies, she would be number one. The only bad thing I'll say about her is this: Eve and Joan were apparently having a "worst hair" contest in this movie and Eve won. Anyway, this is a poor effort with few bright spots and a huge downer of a romantic plot.