Having seen all 6 of the Frances + Don O'Connor series, I rate this as tied with "Francis Joins the WACs" as the most interesting of the series. The big town in the title is NYC. Don and Francis arrive with the idea that Don will become a newspaper reporter, after starting as a printer. Francis picks up news tips from street and stall horses and mules and unknown sources, transmits them to Don, who transmits them to reporters, who are skeptical at first. Don refuses to divulge his info source for a while, but eventually he has to, and is sent to a psycho ward several times. Eventually, Don is promoted to reporter, and soon becomes the star reporter, but people still think he is crazy. Finally, a psychiatrist agrees to go see Francis. Francis talks to him and queries him as he does his patients. Very funny.
Meanwhile, two women have become interested in Don. At first, the older sophisticate(Alberta) is in the lead. But, Don doesn't know how to romance her. Clearly, Francis doesn't like her and won't talk to her. Then, there's 17 year old Maria, daughter of a poor Italian immigrant. Clearly , she is implied to be the good girl underdog, appropriate for Don. Francis talks to her and gives her hints how to appear more attractive.
Alberta arranges for Don to meet the man(Garnet) Francis claims is the kingpin of a protection money racket, specializing in poor peddlers and small shops. They visit Francis, and while having a tussle, someone outside shoots Garnet dead(Were they actually targeting Don?). Don is blamed, as the gun was found in his hand. At his trial, Maria brings Francis who, after some delay, is sworn in and takes the stand. Very funny! Acquitted. Francis claims the murderer now is targeting him. That night a number of men congregate in the barn where Francis is, to await the possible appearance of the murderer. The murderer is caught and finally confesses. I won't reveal who it is. Any guesses? It's someone we have met.
Don says he wants to leave NYC. What about Maria? Francis says he wants to stay because he's found a girlfriend. Surprise who she is!
Meanwhile, two women have become interested in Don. At first, the older sophisticate(Alberta) is in the lead. But, Don doesn't know how to romance her. Clearly, Francis doesn't like her and won't talk to her. Then, there's 17 year old Maria, daughter of a poor Italian immigrant. Clearly , she is implied to be the good girl underdog, appropriate for Don. Francis talks to her and gives her hints how to appear more attractive.
Alberta arranges for Don to meet the man(Garnet) Francis claims is the kingpin of a protection money racket, specializing in poor peddlers and small shops. They visit Francis, and while having a tussle, someone outside shoots Garnet dead(Were they actually targeting Don?). Don is blamed, as the gun was found in his hand. At his trial, Maria brings Francis who, after some delay, is sworn in and takes the stand. Very funny! Acquitted. Francis claims the murderer now is targeting him. That night a number of men congregate in the barn where Francis is, to await the possible appearance of the murderer. The murderer is caught and finally confesses. I won't reveal who it is. Any guesses? It's someone we have met.
Don says he wants to leave NYC. What about Maria? Francis says he wants to stay because he's found a girlfriend. Surprise who she is!