Sitting Pretty - 1948 - Robert Young

The Story ...

In the suburban Hummingbird Hill, lawyer Harry King and his wife Tacey have trouble retaining a nanny for their three young, rambunctious boys: Larry and Tony, both of whom get into frequent mischief with the family dog Henry; and baby Roddy.

When the latest in a string of servants (all women) quits, Tacey advertises for a replacement and hires Lynn Belvedere sight unseen. However, she discovers that Lynn Belvedere is actually a man upon his arrival, a mysterious one with many skills and achievements – and who declares himself to detest children. Nonetheless, the Kings reluctantly agree to a trial period during which Belvedere quickly wins over the boys. However, his mysterious nature intrigues both of their parents, and Harry becomes annoyed by his condescending attitude.

Before Harry goes on a business trip, Tacey agrees to take Roddy and sleep over each night at the home of their friends, fellow lawyer Bill Philby and his wife Edna, just to squelch any possibility of scandal in the town over her remaining in the house with Belvedere.

When one of the boys becomes sick late that night, Belvedere calls Tacey to come over for what is a stomachache. Nosy neighbour Clarence Appleton notices the lights on and investigates, soon spreading scandalous rumours linking Belvedere and Tacey romantically.

The gossip reaches Harry's boss Horatio J. Hammond. When Harry returns triumphant from his trip, Hammond complains that Tacey is endangering the law firm's reputation. Though Harry does not believe the stories, he still thinks it would be best if Belvedere found other employment, but he is persuaded by his wife and children to change his mind.

Later, Tacey and Edna attend a night lecture. Afterwards, they go for a snack in a fancy restaurant, where they encounter Belvedere on his day off. Belvedere invites Tacey to dance. They are spotted dancing cheek to cheek by Appleton and his equally inquisitive mother, and the malicious rumours start again. This time, Harry is not so understanding. Insulted, Tacey quarrels with him takes their youngest and flies to her parents' home in Fort Worth, Texas.

In the meantime, we learn that Belvedere has spent the past few weeks secretly researching and writing a salacious account of the goings-on among the residents of Hummingbird Hill. In fact, the book's blurb describes it as "a screaming satire on suburban manners and morals".

The published tome becomes a national bestseller, upsetting everyone in the community. Tacey rushes home and is reconciled with her husband. Hammond fires Harry and Bill and then announces his decision to sue Belvedere, who is pleased, as he expects the publicity to increase sales of his already popular book.

He hires Harry and Bill to defend him, then reveals the source of much of his information: none other than Clarence Appleton.

The informant flees, with Hammond and others in hot pursuit. Despite his new fame, Belvedere agrees to keep his job as his successful book is only the first volume of what will become a trilogy.

Credits :

Directed by : Walter Lang
Screenplay by : F. Hugh Herbert
Based on : Belvedere by Gwen Davenport
Produced by : Samuel G. Engel
Cinematography : Norbert Brodine
Edited by : Harmon Jones
Music by : Alfred Newman
Production Company : 20th Century Fox
Distributed by : 20th Century Fox
Release Date : March 10, 1948

Genre : #Comedy - #Love - #Life

Cast :

Robert Young as Harry King
Maureen O'Hara as Tacey King (née Ashcroft)
Clifton Webb as Lynn Belvedere
Richard Haydn as Clarence Appleton
Louise Allbritton as Edna Philby
Randy Stuart as Peggy
Ed Begley as Horatio J. Hammond
Larry Olsen as Larry King
John Russell as Bill Philby
Betty Ann Lynn as Ginger
Willard Robertson as Mr Ashcroft
Anthony Sydes as Tony King
Roddy McCaskill as Roddy King
Charles Arnt as Mr Taylor
Ken Christy as Mr McPherson
Mary Field as Della
Grayce Hampton as Mrs Appleton
Marion Marshall as secretary
Mira McKinney as Mrs Phillips
Dave Morris as mailman
Jane Nigh as Mabel Phillips
Isabel Randolph as Mrs Frisbee
Syd Saylor as cab driver
Ann Shoemaker as Mrs Ashcroft
Charles Tannen as newsreel director
Minerva Urecal as Mrs Maypole
Josephine Whittell as Mrs Hammond
Cara Williams as secretary

Film Information Source :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitting_Pretty_(1948_film)
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