Although her apartment building is turned into a men's dormitory, elderly Ethel Barrymore (Katherine "Nana" Chandler) decides to stay. After renovations, the "thundering herd" of young male college students arrive for the fall semester. They are quickly charmed by Ms. Barrymore, helping servant Cecil Kellaway (as Tom McKay) with her wheelchair, and even accompanying Barrymore to Church. Freshman trouble-maker Stuart Whitman (as John "Johnny" Chandler) catches Barrymore's attention with his antics and "Chandler" surname. An ex-Marine with a chip in his shoulder, Mr. Whitman drinks whiskey, gets bad grades, and sneaks out to squeeze the hourglass figure provided by promiscuous Carolyn Jones (as Julie Horton). Barrymore thinks Whitman may be her long-lost grandson, and fights to keep "Johnny Trouble" in school.
This re-make of "Someone to Remember" (1943) is most notable as the distinguished Ethel Barrymore's last screen appearance; approaching her eightieth birthday, she died in a couple of years. No doubt due to Barrymore's presence, director John H. Auer, photographer J. Peverell Marley, and the crew make the low-budget affair look relatively classy. The sentimental story is okay, but the "college kids" are silly and miscast. As examples of both, Whitman and "Jimmy Olsen"-type roommate Jack Larson (as Eddie Landis) receive special "Introducing" credits, but had been in features for years. Fresher faces include future "teen idol" Edward "Edd" Byrnes (as Elliott) and "Deep Purple" singer Nino Tempo (as Charlie). Future "Gypsy" actor Paul Wallace (as Paul) and the cast must have been thrilled to co-star with Barrymore.
****** Johnny Trouble (9/21/57) John H. Auer ~ Ethel Barrymore, Stuart Whitman, Carolyn Jones, Cecil Kellaway
This re-make of "Someone to Remember" (1943) is most notable as the distinguished Ethel Barrymore's last screen appearance; approaching her eightieth birthday, she died in a couple of years. No doubt due to Barrymore's presence, director John H. Auer, photographer J. Peverell Marley, and the crew make the low-budget affair look relatively classy. The sentimental story is okay, but the "college kids" are silly and miscast. As examples of both, Whitman and "Jimmy Olsen"-type roommate Jack Larson (as Eddie Landis) receive special "Introducing" credits, but had been in features for years. Fresher faces include future "teen idol" Edward "Edd" Byrnes (as Elliott) and "Deep Purple" singer Nino Tempo (as Charlie). Future "Gypsy" actor Paul Wallace (as Paul) and the cast must have been thrilled to co-star with Barrymore.
****** Johnny Trouble (9/21/57) John H. Auer ~ Ethel Barrymore, Stuart Whitman, Carolyn Jones, Cecil Kellaway