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 ****

While producer David O. Selznick was best-known for his epic productions and romantic dramas, he occasionally dabbled in comedy - with the most satisfying result, perhaps, being the Carole Lombard Technciolor vehicle NOTHING SACRED (1937). THE YOUNG IN HEART, however, isn't too far behind and it's an unjustly neglected comedy classic!

The film deals with the money-grabbing exploits of a family of con artists comprising father Roland Young, mother Billie Burke, and their two offsprings - Janet Gaynor and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. - which, basically, hinges on Young passing himself off as a distinguished veteran of the British campaign in India (actually he and his wife were stage actors and he had played such a military role in Canada: its characteristics have stuck all these many years - and the title of Colonel with them!). In fact, when we first see them, Fairbanks is about to marry into a wealthy family at a chic Riviera setting but their scam is discovered at the last minute and, rather than being thrown into jail, are given a ticket each to go do their 'work' elsewhere! They find themselves on a train bound for London, where they meet a lonely old lady (Minnie Dupree) who has suddenly found her former lover's fortune in her lap; the Carletons (the con-artist family's assumed name) believe it to be a golden opportunity and, it appears, that even Fate is willing to lend them a hand as the train is wrecked and they save the old lady's life - after which they're invited to stay with her as long as they like!!

Pursuing them to London is a penniless Scotsman (a debuting Richard Carlson) - named Duncan Macrae! - who had fallen for Gaynor, even if he's aware of her true nature; Fairbanks' love interest, on the other hand, is provided by a sexy Paulette Goddard. The Carletons, however, are anxious that Dupree doesn't become aware of their ultimate intentions - so they propose to demonstrate to her (and her suspicious solicitor, played by Henry Stephenson) that they're self-sufficient: Young and Fairbanks are, thus, sent off by the women in search of work - the horrified look on the two men's faces on their first day as normal salary-earners (accompanied by Chopin's funereal march on the soundtrack) is priceless! However, they both manage to make good of it - at which no one's more surprised than the family itself: Young is promoted from car salesman (his demonstration of "The Flying Wombat" - what passes for a futuristic car in 1938 - is a highlight of the film) to manager, while Fairbanks sets his mind on engineering...though it doesn't hurt to have a boss like Goddard! By the film's end, of course, the family - save for perennially ditzy Burke - has reformed under the benevolent influence of too-good-to-be-true Dupree, while Gaynor is re-united with Carlson and Doug Jr. marries Paulette.

The comedy here is provided mainly through brilliant dialogue, but a few charming sight gags (including the presence of a scruffy little dog and a penguin!) are nicely integrated; Selznick's typically glossy production values (cinematographer Leon Shamroy, composer Franz Waxman and production designer William Cameron Menzies - enough said!) also lend the film a definite sophistication, while the acting is uniformly faultless: nominal leads Gaynor (whose last film this was until a 1957 comeback!) and Fairbanks weren't renowned for playing comedy but, here, they both demonstrate a deft light touch; the ever-reliable (and delightful) Young has one of his best roles; as for Goddard and Carlson, they both manage to rise above the limits imposed by their supporting roles.

If one had to put in a negative word, one might say that Burke's absent-minded matriarch is a bit much (though the fount of undeniable hilarity) and that the inherent sentimentality which marks the family's turnabout is not only an acquired taste (in fact, both Leslie Halliwell and Leonard Maltin tend to de-emphasize this aspect in their glowing assessment of the film!) but even unwarranted in a screwball comedy - though, ultimately, it's perhaps too genteel to be considered as such...but, then, what do you call a film with a scene in which Dupree is herself seen recklessly driving the speeding car, to the consternation of passenger Stephenson!! Still, all of this is negligible when stacked against the film's overwhelming positive qualities, as both craft and entertainment: this is truly one of the best comedies in an era full of such films...

The Young In Heart is the story of the Carleton Family an civilized and amiable a group of grifters that the screen ever portrayed. The members are Roland Young and Billie Burke and their children Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Janet Gaynor.

On one train trip where Janet's caught the eye of earnest Richard Carlson and Doug is maybe getting in over his head with southern belle Margaret Early, the family makes the acquaintance of an ingenuous old woman played by Minnie Dupree. They seem to hit it off, even more so after a train wreck and the Carletons look after her.

Dupree's family is long gone and she lives in genteel splendor in a very big house in London. In a burst of generosity she invites the whole family to stay with her. It's an opportunity to good to pass up, I know I wouldn't pass up free lodging even for a short spell.

But in order to keep up appearances and maybe she'll leave them the place in a will, they have to get jobs to appear on the up and up. At least the men folk do. Doug gets a job in an engineering firm, he charms Paulette Goddard into hiring him in an entry level position. And Young gets a job selling a brand new state of the art British car, the Flying Wombat. Both the guys especially Young prove really good, although you have to admit that selling cars should be something an accomplished grifter could take to right away.

In order for The Young In Heart to work the part of the old lady must be carefully cast and played. Minnie Dupree in one of her very few screen appearances is great in the part, bringing the right amount of charm to the role without it becoming maudlin. When you think about it, her's is the most important part, the whole film is structured around it.

Next to Dupree, I like Young the best. He's got a great scene when instead of being fired because they've found out he's a crook, he's offered a promotion to general manager, he's done that well.

I've known a few people in my life, one in particular who was one of the brightest people I've ever met, but who spent his whole short life of some 31 years on earth, running one big revolving con game. He was hard to dislike like the Carletons are, but you could never really get close to him. And if he'd ever applied himself honestly, he could have been a success in any field that interested him.

That's the charm of The Young In Heart, the thought that some people like this can be redeemed. Or maybe that in itself is a big con.

The Young In Heart got Oscar nominations for musical scoring and cinematography. Certainly one talented and charming cast gave it their best and the film is a delight.