Although the Warner Archive Blu-ray of the Oscar-nominated 1954 Dick Powell-Debbie Reynolds romcom "Susan Slept Here" dates back to April 2016, the Christmas theme of the film makes it apt review fodder in December 2017. The most special aspects of this present are that it provides a nice reminder of Reynolds roughly one year after her death and also reminds us that they sadly don't make 'em like they used to. The film further is notable for its uniquely statuesque narrator.
"Susan" further is a wonderfully refreshing alternative to the sickly sweet kids' films, crude comedies, and low-budget horror films that comprise current holiday fare.
"Sussn" is special as well because it has a strong live-stage vibe that largely is due to most of the events occurring in the apartment of commercially successful but artistically frustrated Oscar-winning screenwriter Mark Christopher (Powell) in the short period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Having a small ensemble cast playing stock characters further enhances this sense of watching a play. The copious amusing one-liners are icing on this cake.
The action begins when a vice cop who consulted on a Christopher film decides to kill two partridges with one lump of coal by showing up unannounced at the aforementioned apartment with 17 year-old delinquent Susan Landis (Reynolds) in tow. The logic of this public servant is that Landis spending Christmas with 35 year-old Christopher (Christ the Savior?) allows her to avoid spending the holiday behind bars and provides Christopher with material for his stalled screenplay about juvenile delinquents.
Reynolds literally arriving on the scene kicking and screaming while dressed in hillbilly chic evokes nice thoughts of her portrayal of Molly Brown.
Watching Christopher and angsty young P.A./best buddy Virgil (Alvy Moore of "Green Acres") squirm regarding the "17 will get you 20" risk regarding associating with an underage girl is a highlight. However, Christopher forming a plan that prevents both him and Susan becoming a Christmas Day guest of the governor prompts him to let her stay. This does not stop Virgil from fleeing in terror.
The aforementioned plan going awry leads to the titular situation in which Landis sleeps in the bed of Christopher; things become even more friendly when the pair enter a marriage that is much more convenient for Landis than Christopher.
Legendary gossip columnist Louella Parsons scooping competitor Hedda Hopper with news of the Christmas Day wedding causes Christopher fiancee Isabella (Anne Francis) to go from steaming mad over the telephone to boiling over and coming to confront Landis, who is not about to relinquish her title of Mrs. Christopher without a world-class bout. Meanwhile, the new husband is in self-imposed seclusion at an undisclosed location.
The next development of an apparent immaculate concept leads to further hilarity. Christopher comes home steaming mad and punches out the Virgil Mary before learning the truth about a wacky misunderstanding. However, this does not weaken the resolve of the playwright to annual his marriage.
The final homage to live productions comes in the final scene as Landis frantically tries to show her ability to be a good wife. The best hilarity regarding this is a rapid-pace exchange in which Landis counters every argument of Christopher regarding why this pair should not be legally wed. The highlight of this is seeing Reynolds being adorably dogged.
The true grand finale follows in that this witty "shouldabeen a holiday classic" tale is that it is the last silver screen performance by Powell before beginning his successful television career. Seeing this film literally end on a high note is a great way to mark this transition.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Susan" is strongly encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.com.
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