This is a cleverly written, enjoyable comedy that was topical in 1953, and still has some things to say about today's world. Topical in '53 because meat prices were high due to shortages. And the price of meat is, surprisingly, a major plot point of the story.
Van Johnson is a young poetry instructor at a college in Maine. His wife, Janet Leigh (in the title role), is pregnant with their first child. They and the other newer members of the faculty are trying to make ends meet, because teachers don't make much money.
Pregnant women (at least in 1953) are supposed to get their nutrition from a diet that includes a good amount of red meat. But the inability to pay for it means a lot of fish and other substitutes, instead. This causes Van to feel inadequate and Janet to question whether they're able to afford to raise a child.
Coincidentally, Johnson happens to be the son of a Texas cattle rancher (Louis Calhern), and his father has always wanted him to give up what he considers a silly job and return to work the ranch. Janet, worried about their future, wonders if that may not be such a bad idea.
Calhern decides to pay the kids a visit, and he drops in unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Van is in line for a promotion, but only if he can win over his petty, curmudgeonly boss (Gene Lockhart). The promotion is just what the little family needs to make raising a future child less of a financial hardship. But Van is constitutionally incapable of being an "apple polisher," and his prospects for the promotion diminish every time he socializes with his boss.
Early on, we see a scene that demonstrates Van is a good teacher. It's clear he has a calling to the profession. So we want him to follow his heart. But when dad comes he makes a pretty good case for the ranch as a future prospect.
The plot gets more complicated from here on, involving a butcher shop price war. But what's nice about the film is that people are more reasonable and thoughtful than they often are in films. This is a refreshing aspect to Confidentially Connie. Characters attempt to see one another's point of view. They attempt to be nice to one another. They're good people. There really is no villain. There are some wise observations about relationships (husband-wife, father-son, father-in-law- daughter-in-law), and some intelligent arguments made for the importance of teachers.
This isn't a big, expensive film; most of it was filmed on the M-G-M back lot, in black and white, and it's less that 80 minutes long. But it's a solid, smart little comedy and I think you'll be diverted, entertained, and amused. No belly laughs, but a lot of chuckles and grins.
The stars are appealing. Van Johnson proves once again that he was underrated as an actor, Janet Leigh is as believable as ever, and both of them radiate charm. Louis Calhern has to stretch a bit to play a rancher, but stretch he does. His acting is big but doesn't go over the top, and he plays a very winning part. Walter Slezak (as a butcher involved in price wars) does a great job, and Gene Lockhart is perfect as Van's boss. In other parts, Marilyn Erskine and Hayden Roarke do good jobs.
Direction is by comedy ace Eddie Buzzell.
Van Johnson is a young poetry instructor at a college in Maine. His wife, Janet Leigh (in the title role), is pregnant with their first child. They and the other newer members of the faculty are trying to make ends meet, because teachers don't make much money.
Pregnant women (at least in 1953) are supposed to get their nutrition from a diet that includes a good amount of red meat. But the inability to pay for it means a lot of fish and other substitutes, instead. This causes Van to feel inadequate and Janet to question whether they're able to afford to raise a child.
Coincidentally, Johnson happens to be the son of a Texas cattle rancher (Louis Calhern), and his father has always wanted him to give up what he considers a silly job and return to work the ranch. Janet, worried about their future, wonders if that may not be such a bad idea.
Calhern decides to pay the kids a visit, and he drops in unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Van is in line for a promotion, but only if he can win over his petty, curmudgeonly boss (Gene Lockhart). The promotion is just what the little family needs to make raising a future child less of a financial hardship. But Van is constitutionally incapable of being an "apple polisher," and his prospects for the promotion diminish every time he socializes with his boss.
Early on, we see a scene that demonstrates Van is a good teacher. It's clear he has a calling to the profession. So we want him to follow his heart. But when dad comes he makes a pretty good case for the ranch as a future prospect.
The plot gets more complicated from here on, involving a butcher shop price war. But what's nice about the film is that people are more reasonable and thoughtful than they often are in films. This is a refreshing aspect to Confidentially Connie. Characters attempt to see one another's point of view. They attempt to be nice to one another. They're good people. There really is no villain. There are some wise observations about relationships (husband-wife, father-son, father-in-law- daughter-in-law), and some intelligent arguments made for the importance of teachers.
This isn't a big, expensive film; most of it was filmed on the M-G-M back lot, in black and white, and it's less that 80 minutes long. But it's a solid, smart little comedy and I think you'll be diverted, entertained, and amused. No belly laughs, but a lot of chuckles and grins.
The stars are appealing. Van Johnson proves once again that he was underrated as an actor, Janet Leigh is as believable as ever, and both of them radiate charm. Louis Calhern has to stretch a bit to play a rancher, but stretch he does. His acting is big but doesn't go over the top, and he plays a very winning part. Walter Slezak (as a butcher involved in price wars) does a great job, and Gene Lockhart is perfect as Van's boss. In other parts, Marilyn Erskine and Hayden Roarke do good jobs.
Direction is by comedy ace Eddie Buzzell.