Figure 1.--Here we see Parris (Scotty Beckett), Drake (Douglas Croft), and Randy (Ann Todd). Click on the image for another snap ofv the same scene.

Five children are depicted growing up in what looks to be the perfect American small town at the turn of the 20th century. Two boys, Parris and Drake, are the very best of friends. Paris decides he wants to be a doctor. His childhood sweetheart Cassie's father is a doctor. Drake plans on using his inheritance to become a businessman. Unlike Parris he has numerous fligs with a sucession of girls. Then the town secrets began to leak which place all kinds of complications in the boys' lives. Scotty Beckett plays Paris as a boy Boy in this Ronald Reagan film. This was a typical role for Scotty who commonly played the main character as a child. Unlike other major child stars of the 1930s and 40s, he rarely played the main character in a film, except briefly as a child. He wears knee pants with long over the knee stockings. It was made from the popular novel about a small town doctor who chronicles the pettiness and squalor. Set at the turn of the century.

Filmology

It was made from the best-selling novel by Henry Bellamann's about a small town doctor who chronicles the pettiness and squalor. "Kings Row" was a popular film. It received three Academy Awards nominations and that included Best Picture of 1943. Most film crutiques believe that it was Rinal'd Reagan's best film. He seems to have thought this himself. At least he used his most memorable line for the title of his autobiography--Where's the Rest of Me?.

Setting

Set at the turn of the century in a typical American small town.

Cast

Scotty Beckett plays Paris as a boy Boy in this Ronald Reagan film. This was a typical role for Scotty who commonly played the main character as a child. Unlike other major child stars of the 1930s and 40s, he rarely played the main character in a film, except briefly as a child. Paris and Cassandra (Mary Thomas) become sweethearts. Cassandra is an introspective girl who the other children did not like very much. Paris' other friend is Louise (Joan Duvalle) from a rich family and she lets the other children know it. There is also tomboy Rany (Ann Todd). Paris' best friend is Drake (Douglas Croft). The principal adult actors were Ronald Reagan and Rober Cummings. The principal actress is Ann Sheridan.

Plot

Five children are depicted growing up in what looks to be the perfect American small town at the turn of the 20th century. Two boys, Parris and Drake, are the very best of friends. Paris decides he wants to be a doctor. His childhood sweetheart Cassie's father is a doctor. She has trouble with the other children. Her father takes her out of school and tutors her at home. Drake plans on using his inheritance to become a businessman. Unlike Parris he has numerous fligs with a sucession of girls. Then the town secrets began to leak which place all kinds of complications in the boys' lives.

Clothing

The boys wears knee pants with long over the knee stockings.

Assessment

This was a popular movie of the day and maby film buffs still regard it as an under rated classic. Movie goers who like melodramas will certainly like this film. Personally the best performances were given by the children at the beginning of the film. The rest of the film seems to me forgetable, but many do not agree. Some were impressed by Regan's performance, but this is only in comparison with his other performances.

Created: February 2, 2004
Last updated: February 2, 2004