The Kid Sister

Judy Clark wrangles with her older sister, disobeys her mother, and gets involved with burglar Frank Jenks and millionaire Roger Pryor in this rote but competently rendered comedy from PRC. Although the pratfalls are not rendered with an grace, they are certainly amusing.

Miss Clark suggests Betty Hutton in looks and behavior, that early icon of the hyperactive teenager, although her delivery of lines seems much more mechanical. Mr. Pryor was pretty near the end of his screen career. He would make five more movies in the same year as this one, then retire, to eventually become an ad executive.

Miss Clark's screen career would continue on for a couple of decades in a desultory manner. She had been born in 1924, would eventually marry twice and die in 2002 -- although not before playing Sophie Tucker in an episode of the BURNS & ALLEN show.

Of all the so-called 'poverty row studios' perhaps the worst was tiny little PRC. Most of their films were very cheaply made and very forgettable. So, when I saw that "The Kid Sister" was from PRC, I assumed the worst but gave it a look anyway.

Joan (Judy Clark) is the forgotten daughter in the family. Her mother dotes on Joan's older sister and Joan is tired of being left out. So, when her family is having a party and Joan is told to stay in her room, she sneaks out by disguising herself as a maid. Then, though a series of crazy mistakes, she ends up getting hooked up with a thief, being chased by cops and hiding out in neighbors' homes. What's going to happy with kooky Joan?!

Overall, this is a silly and inconsequential film--sort of like an extended episode of some TV sit-com. Now this isn't to say it's bad...just silly and easy to forget--but it DOESN'T stink at least! I did like the befuddled guy who ends up befriending Joan...otherwise not a lot to make this a must-see--more just a mildly interesting time-passer. A score of 4 is great for a PRC film.