The Youngest Profession

1943 "She got their autographs in..."
6| 1h22m| NR| en
Details

Joan Lyons and her friend Patricia Drew are autograph hounds spending most of their day bumping into, and having tea, with the likes of Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. Based on misinformation from a meddling old-maid governess, Miss Featherstone, Joan also devotes some time to working on the no-problem marriage of her parents to the extent of hiring Dr. Hercules, the strong man from a side show to pay attention to her mother in order to make her father jealous, despite the good advice received from Walter Pidgeon.

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Reviews

Abbigail Bush what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.
Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
Hattie I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.
Roxie The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;
JLRMovieReviews Virginia Weidler and Jean Porter are part of a young girls' fan club of the stars who collect their autographs. In fact, Virginia is the president of the club, who outlines the rules and lengths one must go through to get the most famous and desired John Hancocks. They must live in a big city like New York, because how else could they come across celebrities like Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, and Robert Taylor! All these make brief appearances, plus another of whom Virginia has a crush on, but, while we get to see him, she never does, in a clever way of closing the film. But, we begin the film in Hollywood, as Lana Turner is dictating a response to a fan's letter, one that they call a very gracious letter. And, Lana calls the young stargazers "the youngest profession." The plot revolves around the escapades they go on to get their target and the appeal of the film is just how star-crazy they really are. Jean Porter is a hoot as she goes all agog over Walter Pidgeon and Robert Taylor. I'm surprised to see the low rating of this film, because it was a very funny film and I had a blast. Maybe it seemed rather trivial to everyone else, but sometimes the simpleness of a film is what makes it so enjoyable and laid-back. I do admit though that the humor was not very subtle as most of the characters here get really loud and outrageous, including child actor Scotty Beckett as Virginia's brother. Another plus is the presence and performance of Edward Arnold as Virginia's father, who through no fault of his own, is thought to be straying with his secretary. But that is encouraged by character actress Agnes Moorehead. If you want an old-fashioned and very funny film, then hang out with those of "The Youngest Profession."
dtc17 During the first week of being able to watch TCM, I stumbled onto this delightful little gem called The Oldest Professinal this morning. Pure pleasure with a dynamite comedic pace. That little child actress, Joan Carroll, was just incredible. I'm already over the moon that I get to see TCM everyday and this little harmless piece of fluff was a great tonic to start the day. It's an incredible treat to be able to view these classic moves unedited, not butchered by commercials, and shown with exquisite prints. Anotherbonus for this movie was seeing a youngish Agnes Moorehead playing in good supporting role that is neither wacky or evil.
dzkaplan Watch this movie with no expectations and you'll end up howling with laughter! The Youngest Profession sets it's silly tone early on and never threatens to take itself too seriously. It was clearly made for the hoards of young early 1940's fans who are here given center stage. Though the film does have a sit-com feel and plot, the witty writing and game cast make it all seem fresh and new. Poor Virginia Weidler may be grating at times but she's surrounded by such game pros (especially Agnes Moorehead) that it's a pretty moot point. The star cameos are publicist's dreams. Thankfully, they also do not seem out of place in the wacky world this film so fondly creates.
jotix100 "The Youngest Profession" is a rarity, in that it seems to have been forgotten after it served its purpose. It's not a total waste. The comedy is light and earnest and has an excellent performance by Virginia Weidler, who as Joan Lyons, is at the center of the action. The film, directed by Edward Buzzell offered a view of an America at war where movie stars were adored by fans like Joan and her set.The film offers delightful cameo performances by some of the MGM stars of that time. Notably, Greer Garson, Walter Pigeon, Lana Turner and Robert Taylor, who appear as themselves. Ms. Garson and Mr. Pigeon have the best moments as they are seen talking to Joan and Patricia naturally and never appearing condescending, or patronizing.Virginia Weidler is the main reason for watching the film. She is witty, charming, and thoroughly disarming as the teen ager who loves the bigger than life stars. Also Edward Arnold as Joan's father has a good opportunity to do what he did best. Agnes Moorehead, Marta Linden, Raymond Roe, Jean Porter, among others, make this film a delight to watch. Sure, it's light fare, but it will surprise anyone because of the refreshing way the teen agers of the era were shown. There is such sweetness among them to make us yearn for a return to that happy era.