Chatterbox

Once in a while a film shows up on TCM that is a small gem from the past. "Chatterbox" is just such a film. Set mostly in a small town, it stars Anne Shirley, little-known today, an actress who gave up a career in film while in her twenties. She lives in a mind-world of the late 1800's, a world of genteel manners, romantic writing, and little sense of irony. Her mother had been a noted actress and Shirley aspired to the same. The charm of the film lies in its detailed portrayal of small-town America. There is an honesty in the dialogue and behavior.

Without divulging too much plot, I must add that the revelation was Erik Rhodes, the pencil-mustachioed, gigolo of Astaire-Rogers movies, here, sans moustache,and Italian accent, a Broadway wise guy director.Throw in a very young and very blonde Lucille Ball and you have a diverting entertainment. The scene of Shirley's stage performance is wonderful.

Look for this film as a memento of an earlier, more innocent age.