The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)

When an Innocent Comedy is Deeply Uncomfortable

The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)

Directed by Irving Reis

Written by Sidney Sheldon

Starring Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Shirley Temple

When a teenage girl (Temple) develops an infatuation with a sophisticated bachelor (Grant), the ensuing comedy of errors leads to unexpected encounters, hilarious misunderstandings, and a heartwarming exploration of the complexities of love.

Why I Picked This Film

Sidney Sheldon won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for this film. Plus, look at that cast.

Where I'm At

Every time a news story emerges, revealing yet another instance of a man with wealth and power preying on underage girls, a sickening wave of disgust washes over me. It is an indescribable feeling, a profound betrayal of trust and an utter perversion of the privileges that come with influence. How can someone with such advantages stoop so low, using their position to exploit and harm the most vulnerable among us? It is an abomination that rattles the very foundations of our society, and should leave us questioning the very nature of power and the moral fabric of our world. We must not only hold these individuals accountable but also examine the structures that allow such abuses to persist. It is through our collective outrage and unwavering determination that we can work towards a future where justice prevails and the innocent are shielded from the malevolence of those who would prey upon them.

My Opinion

To its credit, The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer portrays a dynamic where Cary Grant's character shows no romantic interest in Shirley Temple's character. Instead, her infatuation with him is depicted as innocent and naive. Grant's character finds her more of a nuisance, while his attention is directed towards Temple's older sister, played by Myrna Loy. The film revolves around the adults' efforts to guide Temple towards age-appropriate relationships, resulting in humorous situations. The underlying motivation is the adults' desire to protect Temple from potential harm, both physically and emotionally. This aspect allowed me to enjoy the movie and find amusement in its comedic moments.

However, the knowledge of Shirley Temple's real-life experiences, where she started dating John Agar at 15 (he was 24), married him at 17, and filed for divorce due to mistreatment at 20, adds an uncomfortable layer to the film. It highlights a disparity between the concern shown by the characters in the movie and the reality of Temple's personal life, and I find that deeply unsettling.

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