Mother Is a Freshman

Abby Abbott (Loretta Young) and her teen daughter Susie live in a New York apartment with trust fund payments from her late husband. Susie needs additional money for college tuition but the ladies are cash strapped. Abby reluctantly asked the executor John Heaslip but he has romantic designs on her which she does not reciprocate. He turns her down and she is forced to seek a scholarship. Due to an unusual requirement and her maiden name Abigail Fortitude, she has to enroll along with her daughter and she falls for her professor.

This has an unusual premise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design. Quite frankly, the color film really sets off the clothing and probably helped with the nomination. Otherwise, this is a little stale and old. It's trying to be fun but Loretta Young is not having any. While there is danger of being uncovered, this is definitely low stake misadventure. The problem is that it's also low on comedic power and romantic intensity. Loretta Young is being melodramatic in her white gloves and pearl neckless. It falls flat for me.