La famille sans-souci

I.A.R. Wylie's serialized story "The Gay Banditti" becomes a heart-warming sentimental-comedy from producer David O. Selznick. A family of con-artists on the Riviera, about to bilk a former Senator out of some three million dollars, are asked to leave the country by the authorities; they're penniless, but luckily they meet a kindly old lady on the train to London and are asked to stay as guests at her mansion. The screenplay curdles with cuteness now and then (and certainly that unmemorable title hasn't enhanced the film's reputation), yet an enjoyable time is had by all. The first-rate cast (headed by Janet Gaynor as the "rotter" daughter) works the material fabulously, and there's a sweetheart of an automobile (the Flying Wombat). Also, a butler who adores Dominoes, a suspicious lawyer, a sharp working girl (Paulette Goddard, naturally stunning), and some satiric laughs while gently poking fun at the working class. *** from ****

This is a movie which makes you want to sigh 'Aaaah' at the end when you first see it and look for it's faults later.

True, it's often over sentimental and contains a performance from Minnie Dupree as the old lady, which may invoke the occasional murderous thought, but it's a nice film, which leaves you completely satisfied and at peace with the world.

The splendid cast includes Janet Gaynor and Douglas Fairbanks Jnr, neither of whom were renowned for playing comedy but they are both excellent. Best of all is Roland Young as the father in possibly the finest performance of his distinguished career. A word also for Billie Burke, as the scatty mother, although I tend to find her performance a little irritating. Perhaps that's how it should be?

The support cast includes Richard Carlson in his first screen part and the lovely Paulette Goddard who do well in the limited roles they are playing. And of course Minnie Dupree.

All in all, a great little film that only the hard of heart could possibly dislike.

Aaaah!!

Janet Gaynor, Roland Young, Billie Burke, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. meet Minnie Dupree, who is "The Young at Heart" in this 1938 film. Gaynor et al are the Carltons, a family of con artists. When we first meet them, Richard Carleton (Fairbanks Jr.) has nabbed a live one, an unattractive albeit wealthy young woman, and George-Anne (Gaynor) has met a Scottsman (Richard Carlson), who is broke. However, they're found out and have to go on the lam. On the train, they meet an old lady, Miss Fortune, and when the train crashes, they get her outside. She credits them with saving her life. Realizing she's lonely, they move in with her for two weeks while they figure out their next destination. When they realize she has money, they decide to make their living situation permanent, figuring she'll put them in the will. Well, a funny thing happens on the way to the con.

This film might not be to everyone's taste - some will find it overly sentimental - but it is definitely to my taste. Vivid characters, funny scenes, and with good performances, "The Young in Heart" is a warm film. Paulette Goddard plays the young woman whom Fairbanks Jr. meets, and she's lovely.

Without this fine cast and the direction by Richard Wallace, this might have been a sappy movie. Janet Gaynor looked sweet, but she was also a very good actress. Here she's smart and believable. Fairbanks Jr. is always wonderful, as are Billie Burke and Roland Young. Minnie Dupree is delightful as Miss Fortune.

A very satisfying film, a nice ending - highly recommended.

Never heard of this film and I was very surprised that Janet Gaynor, (George-Anne) performed in this film which seemed to have been forgotten in the vaults over the years. The story deals with a family called the "Carletons" who are professional con-artists who look for wealthy widows in need of friends and comfort or even card games and gambling. As time moves on, these crooks discover a little old lady they met on a train who is very lonely and very rich and the crooks hope they can con this lady to change her will which will allow them to retire from the rackets. However, this little sweet old lady changes the direction of this entire film. There are great performances by Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks,Jr., and the introduction of Richard Carlson to his first role in a picture. Enjoy

..., the Carltons, who meet a rich, lonely old lady and move into her lavish London home to keep her company while hoping to get written into her will.

Roland Young and Billie Burke play the parents, with Janet Gaynor and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. As their charming offspring. A monocled Young passes himself off as a former member of the Bengal Lancers, a role he had actually played in a Toronto stage presentation. Richard Carlson, in his film debut, plays a young Scotsman in love with Gaynor, while Paulette Goddard plays Fairbanks' boss of an engineering firm at which he is hired who takes an interest in him (and vice versa). Stage veteran Minnie Dupree plays the old lady, ironically named Miss Fortune.

This handsomely mounted Selznick production remains a charming delight throughout, with engaging performances from the entire cast. Scenes of sentiment that could easily have turned mawkish are rescued from that fate by the sincere performance of Miss Dupree as a kind, trusting soul. Also the love interests (Carleton, Goddard) of the fortune hunting offspring are both in on their schemes fairly early so there's no later nastiness in the film. It may be predictable where sentimental material of this nature will be headed but the charm of the writing and cast helps to maintain our interest.

Roland, by the way, gets hired as a salesman for a sleek lined, futuristic car called The Flying Wombat, which had car enthusiasts excited. The car in the film, a Phantom Corsair, cost $12,000 to make and can be seen speeding down lane ways in the film. It was going to be produced in limited numbers but those plans ended when its inventor died suddenly. Still, the Phantom Corsair or "Flying Wombat" can, at least, be seen in the film today.