mark.waltz The music of the 1920's takes center stage in a non-musical comedy of growing up in small town America where a studious young girl deals with the romantic struggles of youth. Jeanne Crain is the epitome of comical awkwardness, sharing her story through flashback with her young daughter (Anne E. Todd) who comes across a pair of large bloomers while they are in the attic. The bloomers represent a funny reminder of Crain's past, and while they may look like just a hideous undergarment to her daughter, to Crain, they are the link to how she found romance with her husband and chose him over other admirers.Don't expect Esther Blodgett of "Meet Me in St. Louis" here in Crain's characterization. She's a bit of a geek, the star debater of the school's debate team, and rather shy with the boys who are interested in her. Among them are Alan Young (long before "Mr. Ed") and Conrad Janis (long before "Mork and Mindy"), and when she meets handsome teacher Glenn Langdan, Crain is instantly gaga over him. There's some question to her parental background: she lives with her former suffragette grandmother (a delightful Esther Dale) while her father (Hobart Cavanaugh) lives separately, working for the local mortician. Crain's bashful girl shines briefly on the ice skating rink, even outshining the school's most popular girl (a perky Barbara Lawrence) who has just done some fabulous Sonia Henie moves while on the rink. But as happens later at the school prom, fate takes over, and Crain faces possible humiliation when the unthinkable (at least for a proper young lady in the 1920's) happens.Snippets of some very popular 20's songs are heard, most notably the title song written for the character's wedding, played on a 78 RPM while Crain and her daughter are in the attic, and the beautiful "April Showers". Lawrence gets to warble the amusing "Coffee, a Sandwich, and You". The music doesn't overwhelm the film's plot, so it is inconsequential to the goings on. Hattie McDaniel, in one of her later roles, has a few nice moments as the housekeeper, but she doesn't really get much to do. As America headed out of World War II and into a very cynical future, films like this became rarer and rarer, so historically, they are very memorable as a part of the tougher times. The color photography is beautiful and every other technical detail is impressive as well.

efisch I've seen this movie a number of times over the last 40 years (though it's rarely shown on TV). It can only be described as "Enchanting". Beautiful Technicolor photography by Charles Clarke with very unusual use of lighting and shadows. Some scenes are almost exclusively shot in silhouette. You won't see more beautiful color effects. The story is very light but truly enjoyable. Filled with music, it's almost a musical. The music very effectively highlights the story and sets the period (1920s). Excellent performances all around. Direction by the great Henry King is sensitive and touching. It's the overall effect that is so delightful. If I recall from an old AMC showing, the outdoor scenes were shot in Reno, Nevada (you can see the Sierra Nevada's in the background). Also, this was a short-lived TV show in the late 1950's--early 1960'S. This is one of my favorites movies and hopefully yours. Enjoy!

Gypsy-40 I watched this movie with my mother as a child and have loved it ever since. The fact that it's not available on Video or DVD is a shame. I keep my eyes peeled for it on TV but have not come across it in years. The song "A cup of coffee, a sandwich and you" sticks with me and I find myself humming it occasionally. This is one of those movies where things like that song and the underwear scenesk stick with you forever. Jeanne Crain is wonderful and is a young actress from this era of film-making that I adore. She also happens to be in another of my favorite movies "Meet me in St. Louis". Her appeal is lasting and stands the test of time.

nancym413 I saw this movie for the first time in 1987 on a cable channel. I love this classic because it has great actors such as Jeanne Crain. It is a coming of age story that deals with the same things that teens encounter today such as popularity in high school, morals, sense of humor, crushes, different family structures and modesty. I think this film was entertaining in every aspect.My children watched it when they were five. Now they are 15 and still adore watching the embarrassing and funny things this young teenage girl experiences. This movie is for young and old alike. There is also no worrying about foul language or obscene scenes. I only wish that the movie would be released on a DVD. My video tape is about to wear away from all the playing!