The Youngest Profession (1943)

Virginia Weidler and Jean Porter are part of a young girls' fan club of the stars who collect their autographs. In fact, Virginia is the president of the club, who outlines the rules and lengths one must go through to get the most famous and desired John Hancocks. They must live in a big city like New York, because how else could they come across celebrities like Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, and Robert Taylor! All these make brief appearances, plus another of whom Virginia has a crush on, but, while we get to see him, she never does, in a clever way of closing the film. But, we begin the film in Hollywood, as Lana Turner is dictating a response to a fan's letter, one that they call a very gracious letter. And, Lana calls the young stargazers "the youngest profession." The plot revolves around the escapades they go on to get their target and the appeal of the film is just how star-crazy they really are. Jean Porter is a hoot as she goes all agog over Walter Pidgeon and Robert Taylor. I'm surprised to see the low rating of this film, because it was a very funny film and I had a blast. Maybe it seemed rather trivial to everyone else, but sometimes the simpleness of a film is what makes it so enjoyable and laid-back. I do admit though that the humor was not very subtle as most of the characters here get really loud and outrageous, including child actor Scotty Beckett as Virginia's brother. Another plus is the presence and performance of Edward Arnold as Virginia's father, who through no fault of his own, is thought to be straying with his secretary. But that is encouraged by character actress Agnes Moorehead. If you want an old-fashioned and very funny film, then hang out with those of "The Youngest Profession."

The story is about an autograph-crazy teenager and her kooky friends who will do practically anything to meet celebrities. This is a small picture from MGM that has a lot going for it, but it also has a lot against it.Let's first talk about the good. Edward Arnold does a wonderful job as the befuddled father of the lead wacky teen. He is suitably angry and confounded--an excellent and funny role. In addition, the film has some lovely cameos, as you get to see such notables as Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Robert Taylor and William Powell. It's nice to see them playing themselves, though I seriously doubt that Garson would really invite star-struck teens in for tea, Pidgeon would have a fatherly talk with them--dispensing advice, or that Robert Taylor would deliver messages. These sweet cameos really were fun to see and did a lot to endear the stars to their fans. Plus it's a cute change of pace to see them as "real folks".However, the bad outdoes a lot of the good. The autograph-crazy girl, Joan (Virginia Weidler) is just too annoying. It was so bad that I really wanted to see Arnold rap her in the mouth! And, although this girl acted too broadly and was too irritating for words, the character played by Agnes Moorehead was just too hateful and broad--and much worse! I actually was rooting to see this witch hit by a bus--and she was too rotten and conniving to be funny or realistic. In fact, neither seemed the least bit real and were severe detriments to the film. It's really too bad, as the idea for the film was fine but the actual writing and dialog sagged--and it's no wonder I just couldn't stand Wiedler and Moorehead--the writers simply gave us little to like. A passable little film with some supposedly behind the scenes views, but nothing more.

During the first week of being able to watch TCM, I stumbled onto this delightful little gem called The Oldest Professinal this morning. Pure pleasure with a dynamite comedic pace. That little child actress, Joan Carroll, was just incredible. I'm already over the moon that I get to see TCM everyday and this little harmless piece of fluff was a great tonic to start the day. It's an incredible treat to be able to view these classic moves unedited, not butchered by commercials, and shown with exquisite prints. Anotherbonus for this movie was seeing a youngish Agnes Moorehead playing in good supporting role that is neither wacky or evil.

Watch this movie with no expectations and you'll end up howling with laughter! The Youngest Profession sets it's silly tone early on and never threatens to take itself too seriously. It was clearly made for the hoards of young early 1940's fans who are here given center stage. Though the film does have a sit-com feel and plot, the witty writing and game cast make it all seem fresh and new. Poor Virginia Weidler may be grating at times but she's surrounded by such game pros (especially Agnes Moorehead) that it's a pretty moot point. The star cameos are publicist's dreams. Thankfully, they also do not seem out of place in the wacky world this film so fondly creates.