The Major And The Minor (1942)

Frustrated with her life in New York, a young woman (Ginger Rogers) decides to return home to Iowa. But she can't afford the full train fare, so she poses as a 12 year old to get a half price ticket. Traveling alone, a Major (Ray Milland) in the Army takes it upon himself to be her protector. Problems ensue when the "12 year old" falls in love with the Major. Based on the play CONNIE GOES HOME by Edward Childs Carpenter and directed by Billy Wilder in his American directorial debut. This comedy is well loved (though not by me) and has a high reputation. Some of the dialogue is witty ("Why don't you step out of that wet coat and into a dry martini") and a sight gag had me laughing out loud (a group of adolescent girls all with Veronica Lake hairdos) but the main premise toys uncomfortably with the Lolita syndrome as Milland's character doesn't know she's a grown woman (or does he?). What sinks the movie for me is Rogers' (looking quite matronly) annoying acting as a child. Did 12 year olds in 1942 really baby talk? I doubt it. Her Baby Snooks act gets old very quickly. Is there anything more ridiculous than an adult not acting their age? Rogers would continue to mine this field in HEARTBEAT (1946) and MONKEY BUSINESS (1952). Remade as YOU'RE NEVER TOO YOUNG (1955) with Jerry Lewis. With Diana Lynn (the best thing in the movie), Robert Benchley, Rita Johnson, Frankie Thomas and Norma Varden.