I am not sure why, but seeing Robert Young playing a jerk in older movies is hard to accept. It's probably because of his later persona as the nice-guy in such shows as "Father Knows Best" or "Marcus Welby" or perhaps it's because he doesn't have the smooth Lothario look of a real cad. All I know is that him playing such a smooth jerk in "Those Endearing Young Charms" isn't an easy sell for me.
The film begins with Laraine Day about to go on a causal date with a guy she knows. There's no real romance here--just a night out of dancing. However, the guy brings his buddy (Young) and Young is able to quickly charm Day--as well as her mother (Ann Harding). The problem is that they don't know that Young is a real cad--a love 'em and leave 'em sort of fellow. His nice-guy persona and charm is all an act--and Day is heartbroken when she discovers. But, and this part is THOROUGHLY UNCONVINCING, in the process Young actually does fall for her. Why this sudden change from this Don Juan? I have no idea. Nor, now that I think of it, can I understand Day's complete and instant change of heart. None of the action leading up to either change is convincing and it seems more like a plot device than a real love story. And so, the syrupy profession of love that occurs at about the 80 minute mark seems totally contrived and hollow. As a result, the film is all polish and absolutely no substance. A serious misfire for all concerned.
The film begins with Laraine Day about to go on a causal date with a guy she knows. There's no real romance here--just a night out of dancing. However, the guy brings his buddy (Young) and Young is able to quickly charm Day--as well as her mother (Ann Harding). The problem is that they don't know that Young is a real cad--a love 'em and leave 'em sort of fellow. His nice-guy persona and charm is all an act--and Day is heartbroken when she discovers. But, and this part is THOROUGHLY UNCONVINCING, in the process Young actually does fall for her. Why this sudden change from this Don Juan? I have no idea. Nor, now that I think of it, can I understand Day's complete and instant change of heart. None of the action leading up to either change is convincing and it seems more like a plot device than a real love story. And so, the syrupy profession of love that occurs at about the 80 minute mark seems totally contrived and hollow. As a result, the film is all polish and absolutely no substance. A serious misfire for all concerned.