| Susan Slept Here | |
|---|---|
 original film poster | |
| Directed by | Frank Tashlin |
| Screenplay by | Alex Gottlieb |
| Based on | Susan 1951 play bySteve Fisher Alex Gottlieb |
| Produced by | Harriet Parsons |
| Starring | Dick Powell Debbie Reynolds |
| Cinematography | Nicholas Musuraca |
| Edited by | Harry Marker |
| Music by | Leigh Harline Richard Myers |
| Color process | Technicolor |
Production company | RKO Radio Pictures |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $2.25 million (US)[2] |
Susan Slept Here is a 1954 Americanromantic comedy film directed byFrank Tashlin and starringDick Powell (in his last film role) andDebbie Reynolds. Shot inTechnicolor, the film is based on the play of the same name by Steve Fisher and Alex Gottlieb. Tashlin later revised the film's plotline and reused it in 1962 for the productionBachelor Flat.[3] ComedianRed Skelton has a minor role.
Mark Christopher is a successful 35-year-oldHollywood screenwriter who has suffered from partialwriter's block since winning anAcademy Award and has been unable to produce a decent script. OneChristmas Eve, he receives an unexpected and very unwanted surprise present.
Vice Squad Sergeant Sam Hanlon brings 17-year-old Susan Landis to Mark's luxurious apartment. Susan had been abandoned by her mother and was arrested forvagrancy and hitting a sailor over the head with a beer bottle. Not wanting to keep her in jail over the holidays and aware that Mark was interested in writing a script aboutjuvenile delinquency, the kindhearted cop decides to bend the rules (much to the disapproval of his partner). Hanlon suggests that Susan stay with Mark until her arraignment the day after Christmas.
Mark is naturally appalled, but is eventually persuaded to take the girl in. This does not go over too well with his longtime fiancée, Isabella Alexander, the demanding daughter of asenator. Isabella's jealousy grows when Susan develops a crush on Mark. Mark's secretary Maude Snodgrass, his best friend Virgil, and his lawyer Harvey Butterworth do their best to keep the situation under control.
When Harvey lets slip that Susan will likely stay in a juvenile detention facility until she is 18, Mark impulsively takes her toLas Vegas and marries her. The marriage, he explains to his friends, will last for just long enough to convince the judge that Susan has made good. To avoid consummating the marriage, he takes Susan out dancing until she collapses with fatigue.
Mark then slips away to a cabin in theSierra Nevada mountains to work on his script with Maude. The marriage is reported in the newspapers. Enraged, Isabella confronts Susan, but is hauled away by Hanlon and his partner.
Some weeks later, Isabella finds Mark in the cabin. She has calmed down, but Mark says he thinks they are not really suited to each other. Susan also arrives, determined to win Mark over to a real marriage. She is encouraged and supported by Maude, who still regrets leaving her childhood love behind to attempt an acting career in Hollywood. Susan refuses to sign the annulment papers, while Mark still refuses to consummate the marriage.
When Susan is seen eating strawberries and pickles, Mark's friend assumes that she is pregnant and tells Mark. Mark thinks Virgil is responsible, so he hits Virgil in the face. Susan eventually explains to Mark that she ate strawberries and pickles because she just likes it. Mark has his own explanation: he is in love with Susan but is worried about their age difference. Susan tells him all the reasons that they should stay married. Mark keeps talking about their age difference as Susan leads him to the bedroom.
The film is based on the playSusan by Alex Gottlieb and Steve Fisher, which was originally titledA Present for Joe. In July 1951, it was presented in Los Angeles at the Circle Theatre, withRobert Rockwell,Beverly Long andMabel Albertson who directed it.[4] TheLos Angeles Times said the play "should prove the source of amusement for those who know the film town" but "the show doesn't have enough substance to provide an acceptable general entertainment."[5]
Gottlieb wrote a script version and decided to produce.
In July 1952 signed a contract withMGM to borrow 20-years-oldDebbie Reynolds to play the lead.[6] In JulyDavid Wayne andDan Dailey joined the cast, with Dailey borrowed from20th Century Fox to play the male lead.[7][8]Frank Tashlin agreed to direct andMickey Rooney replaced David Wayne.[9]
In October 1953 Gottlieb sold the entire package to RKO.[10] Then Rooney and Dailey dropped out due to the fact the film would be shot later.[11] Harriet Parsons was assigned to produce andRobert Mitchum was announced as star.[12] Mitchum, however, refused the role and was penalised $40,000 by RKO for doing so.[13][14]
Dick Powell, 50 years old at the time, who had been focusing on directing and had just left directing the playThe Caine Mutiny Court Martial, agreed to play the lead.[15]
Alvy Moore, who had understudied David Wayne on stage inMister Roberts, was signed to play the role originally intended for Wayne and then Mickey Rooney.[16]
Anne Francis was borrowed from 20th Century Fox just before being dropped by that studio. She stated to reporters that the film "will probably do more for me than any of the others" because "I'm given the chance to act and not just be a piece of scenery."[17]
Filming started December 1953 and finished by January 1954. Reynolds later admitted having "a mad crush on" Dick Powell while making the film and that "he taught me common courtesy and to treat my crew and colleagues with equal respect."[18]
Reynolds liked the film, later stating "that little comedy made $5,500,000, pulled RKO out of the red and thenHoward Hughes sold the studio".[18] It was purchased byDesi Arnaz andLucille Ball in 1957.
The film was nominated for twoAcademy Awards:Best Music, Original Song ("Hold My Hand" sung byDon Cornell) andBest Sound, Recording (John O. Aalberg).[19]
