The Young in Heart

A minor but charming comedy from 1938, The Young in Heart stars Janet Gaynor and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as siblings and con-artists George-Anne and Richard Carlton, who are kicked out of the Riviera with their hammy father (Roland Young), a second-rate actor who poses as a retired Bengal Lancer, and dizzy mother (Billie Burke), when their scam is exposed. When George-Anne befriends a lonely dowager with the delightful name of Miss Fortune (Minnie Dupree), she hatches a new scheme: pose as honest, hardworking folks so that she writes them into her will. Produced by David O. Selznick and ably directed by Richard Wallace, this handsome comedy features romance (Paulette Goddard and Richard Carlson play the civilians who fall for the siblings), a dramatic train wreck, and a sentimental streak. Who would have thought that a little honest work would rub off on the wily quartet? Pretty much anyone watching the film, of course, but this low-key comedy offers some fun watching the would-be hardened shysters get sentimental as they become attached to the old woman and embrace their roles as productive members of society. Nabbing Oscar nominations for cinematography and music, the film also features the movie debuts of Broadway veteran Dupree and young actor Carlson (future star of the cult movies It Came from Outer Space and Creature from the Black Lagoon). Likely to appeal to fans of classic movies and good-hearted comedies, this is a strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)