Susan Slept Here

Frank Tashlin's films resemble cartoons come to life (it's no surprise that he began his showbiz career directing animated shorts). His 1954 romantic comedy Susan Slept Here is made in the same mold, kicking off on Christmas Eve in Hollywood, when thirtysomething playboy screenwriter Mark Christopher (Dick Powell) is left—through a preposterous set of circumstances—in charge of a 17-year-old delinquent named Susan (perfectly played by Debbie Reynolds). They antagonize each other and fight, but Mark develops a soft spot for his troubled ward. So much so, in fact, that he takes drastic measures to keep her from juvenile detention: zipping her off to Las Vegas where they are married. Their vows makes waves—both in Hollywood circles and with Mark's girlfriend (Anne Francis)—when the news hits the local newspaper's gossip column. The situation grows even more complicated when Susan falls in love with her temporary “husband.” Susan Slept Here is a hyper, colorful film with nonstop gags and farcical action, and Powell and Reynolds have a strong comedic rapport. Of course, despite the humor, watching the film with contemporary eyes it's hard not to see the creepy and blatant misogyny, sexism, and pedophilia. But this ‘50s classic comedy is still undeniably entertaining. Recommended. (P. Morehart)