Susan Slept Here (1954)

Dick Powell is a struggling Hollywood writer, struggling, you see, to write serious material when he's known for writing froth for Jane Russell and such actors such as her. And, he's won an Oscar, too! In fact, the Oscar narrates the beginning of the film! When a female juvenile delinquent is arrested just before Christmas, she is brought to him, because the cop, who's a friend of Dick Powell's, thinks he is a nice enough guy to keep her for a few days, because you can't throw the book at her just before Christmas. Enter Debbie Reynolds, who was really 21 at the time, playing the 17-year-old juvenile delinquent, 6 months before turning 18. Dick Powell was 49 at the time, playing a 35-year-old in the movie. And, what do you think happens! In an intro to the movie, Robert Osbourne from TCM said considering the premise and the situation that Dick's thrown in in the film, you'd think there would have been outraged viewers and groups boycotting the movie. But there was barely much made of it at all, at the time this film came out in the movie theaters. It is a pleasant, fun little film with charming actors. But for some reason, I found myself losing interest in the last 30 minutes or so. I think that, after the novelty of the film wears off the viewer, it's just not that captivating. There's not enough zip to it, despite the presence of Debbie Reynolds, and Dick Powell never looking more handsome. This would be his last acting role in a film; he would only direct films from then on until his premature death. Glenda Farrell gives good support and livens up the picture to a point. After watching this, you'll probably be glad you did, but will wind up thinking it wasn't as good as you thought it would be considering the stars involved.

This is a weird one. It's an older man/very young woman kind of story but it's not played that way until the very end. When they finally get around to it it's handled well but only too briefly. During the whole film you can't but notice the really obvious age difference. Dick Powell was 50 and Debbie Reynolds 22. He was old enough to be her father. He was old enough to be Anne Francis' father who was 26 at the time. The story is actually pretty good. The downside is that it's really just a comedy but occasionally it takes itself too seriously.The cast was excellent. It was great to see Glenda Farrell in a more mature part. I love her brassy style. Dick Powell was pretty good too in, as someone else noted, his last film. Red Skelton was a surprise. He pops up for the blink of an eye and then disappears. Anne Francis was a knockout, as always. She dominated every scene and some of her lines had real zing. Thanks to TCM for running her out of circulation movies. The difference with Debbie Reynolds couldn't be more pronounced at all levels but I guess that was the point.Then there's the dream sequence, one of the coolest fantasy segments I've seen in a long time. Francis appears as a spider woman, spinning her web around Powell while the child-woman, Reynolds, attempts to keep that from happening. Again, the difference between them couldn't be more pronounced. The tall, curvaceous Francis was like a cool drink on a hot summer day. Reynolds was no match. She couldn't hope to compete but gave it a good try anyway. Too spunky for my taste.Bottom line, it's worth watching for the actors more than anything else. You shouldn't take the story too seriously and the lines sometimes get in the way when they're just plain silly. But hey, Anne Francis is in it, that alone is worth a look.

SUSAN SLEPT HERE is a cute comedy about a Hollywood scriptwriter Mark Christopher(Dick Powell), a former Oscar winner, having trouble scripting another smash. His hardworking typist Maude(Glenda Farrell)is about to her wits end as well. Christopher has had an idea of writing a script about juvenile delinquency and on Christmas Eve he is given custody of a spunky 18 year old troubled teen off the street...Susan Landis(Debby Reynolds). This is really not appreciated by Mark's gofer Virgil(Alvy Moore)and his fiancé Isabella(Anne Francis)is in a slow boil with the lid ready blow. The situation is all quit innocent until it seems Mark decides to marry the young girl to keep her out of jail. Now he really has material for a new script. Also in the cast: Horace McMahon, Herb Vigran, Les Tremayne and Maidie Norman.

I saw this film for the first time on the Classic Film Network only by chance. I missed about 20 minutes of it. I have been searching for it ever since. Where can I find it for purchase? If not available,why? It was an amusing and imaginative film. Dick Powell and Debbie Reynolds were delightful to watch. I really enjoyed watching all of the cast, some of whom when on to do sitcoms in the 60's and 70's. If anyone can send me information on purchasing this film, I would greatly appreciate it. Is there a website link I could go to or film company I could contact? Please email me a response or respond to this thread. Much appreciated!