Susan Slept Here (1954)

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

An inane farce where a screenwriter, Dick Powell, winds up marrying a delinquent, 17 years old and played by Debbie Reynolds. They wed so she can stay out of jail and then Powell goes off to write his screenplay.Ann Francis steals the scenes she is in as the jilted fiancée of Powell.There are some interesting characters, one Glenda Farrell. In the end, everyone finds basically what they're looking for out of life.There is a nice dream sequence where the two ladies compete for Powell's attention.Snappy dialogue but the story itself is so ornery.

Claiming to be 35 years old (but looking more like 55), frothy "Oscar"-winning comedy writer Dick Powell (as Mark Christopher) is startled by a Christmas Eve present - it's nubile 17-year-old Debbie Reynolds (as Susan Landis). Nice to know this sort of thing can happen in Hollywood. As it turns out, vice police are responding to Mr. Powell's desire to write a dramatic story about teenage delinquency. Recently picked up with alcohol and a sailor, Ms. Reynolds is delivered to provide Powell with material for his story. Besides, the police don't want to arrest Reynolds on Christmas. Strange as it may sound, this Technicolor film unashamedly plays out as a leering countdown to sex between the older writer and his underage ward.**** Susan Slept Here (7/14/54) Frank Tashlin ~ Dick Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Anne Francis, Alvy Moore

Susan Slept Here turned out to be Dick Powell's swan song as a performer on the big screen. Of course he directed some more films and appeared frequently on television until he died. It's a pity he didn't go out with his performance in The Bad and the Beautiful.Frank Tashlin has done so many better films, I'm still not sure whatever possessed him to do this one. The premise is absolutely laughable. Dick Powell is a screenwriter who's looking to do more serious stuff than the fluff he's been writing. He had an idea for a film on juvenile delinquency so two friendly cops in Herb Vigran and Horace McMahon deposit 17 year old Debbie Reynolds on his doorstep. She's not a really bad kid and they don't want to put her in the system. So they give her to Dick Powell at Christmas time.I mean is there anyone out there who doesn't see a problem? The term jailbait comes immediately to mind. Additionally Powell has a girlfriend, the young and sexy Anne Francis. Why Debbie Reynolds is any competition here is beyond me.Susan Slept Here got one Oscar nomination. The song Hold My Hand, sung by Don Cornell in the background, was nominated for best song, but lost to Secret Love. Powell and Reynolds do have some funny moments together and Alvy Moore as Powell's factotum and Les Tremayne as his lawyer also get a few laughs. But it's not enough.

Susan Slept Here is considered a Holiday classic in our household. With an exceptional plot and great acting, it's a definite must see. After the movie, I find myself humming "Hold My Hand" for days. Debbie Reynolds plays innocent very well and William Powell is just the person to grow up for. I must admit to not being a fan of Mr. Christopher's girlfriend but then, that's all to the good. Susan impacts the lives of everyone she meets and I always get a chuckle at Maude's dear Oswald. The repartee between Susan and Mr. Christopher is snappy and clever, especially in the climax of the film. This is definitely a romantic favorite and a Holiday classic.