Mother Is a Freshman

March. 12,1949      NR
Rating:
6.3
Trailer Synopsis Cast

Widow Abby Abbott is having serious money problems and has to dip into the family trust in order to pay for her daughter Susan's college tuition. The catch: Abby must also become a co-ed or she can't touch the money. After passing her entrance exams, Abby goes to college and becomes very popular, especially with a handsome English professor whom Susan has a crush on.

Loretta Young as  Abigail Fortitude Abbott
Van Johnson as  Professor Richard Michaels
Rudy Vallee as  John Heaslip
Barbara Lawrence as  Louise Sharpe
Robert Arthur as  Beaumont Jackson
Betty Lynn as  Susan Abbott
Griff Barnett as  Dean Gillingham
Kathleen Hughes as  Rhoda Adams
Henri Letondal as  Prof. Romaine (uncredited)

Similar titles

Meet the Fockers
Prime Video
Meet the Fockers
Hard-to-crack ex-CIA man Jack Byrnes and his wife Dina head for the warmer climes of Florida to meet the parents of their son-in-law-to-be, Greg Focker. Unlike their happily matched offspring, the future in-laws find themselves in a situation of opposites that definitely do not attract.
Meet the Fockers 2004
The Piano
Paramount+
The Piano
A mute Scottish woman arrives in colonial New Zealand for an arranged marriage. Her husband refuses to move her beloved piano, giving it to neighbor George Baines, who agrees to return the piano in exchange for lessons. As desire swirls around the duo, the wilderness consumes the European enclave.
The Piano 1993
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Lorelei Lee is a beautiful showgirl engaged to be married to the wealthy Gus Esmond, much to the disapproval of Gus' rich father, Esmond Sr., who thinks that Lorelei is just after his money. When Lorelei goes on a cruise accompanied only by her best friend, Dorothy Shaw, Esmond Sr. hires Ernie Malone, a private detective, to follow her and report any questionable behavior that would disqualify her from the marriage.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 1953
Kolya
Kolya
After a fictitious marriage with a Russian emigrant, Cellisten Louka, a Czech man, must suddenly take responsibility for her son. However, it’s not long before the communication barrier is broken between the two new family members.
Kolya 1996
Mrs. Doubtfire
Prime Video
Mrs. Doubtfire
Loving but irresponsible dad Daniel Hillard, estranged from his exasperated spouse, is crushed by a court order allowing only weekly visits with his kids. When Daniel learns his ex needs a housekeeper, he gets the job -- disguised as a British nanny. Soon he becomes not only his children's best pal but the kind of parent he should have been from the start.
Mrs. Doubtfire 1993
The Fog
HULU
The Fog
Trapped within an eerie mist, the residents of Antonio Bay have become the unwitting victims of a horrifying vengeance. One hundred years earlier, a ship carrying lepers was purposely lured onto the rocky coastline and sank, drowning all aboard. Now they're back – long-dead mariners who've waited a century for their revenge.
The Fog 2005
The Omen
Prime Video
The Omen
A diplomatic couple adopts the son of the devil without knowing it. A remake of the classic horror film of the same name from 1976.
The Omen 2006
Sleepless in Seattle
Prime Video
Sleepless in Seattle
When Sam Baldwin's wife dies, he is left to bring up his eight-year-old son Jonah alone, and decides to move to Seattle to make a new start. On Christmas Eve, Jonah rings a radio phone-in with his Christmas wish to find a new wife for his dad. Meanwhile in Baltimore, journalist Annie Reed, who is having doubts about her own relationship, is listening in.
Sleepless in Seattle 1993
Finding Neverland
Max
Finding Neverland
During a writing slump, playwright J.M. Barrie meets a widow and her four children, all young boys—who soon become an important part of Barrie’s life and the inspiration that lead him to create his masterpiece. Peter Pan.
Finding Neverland 2004
Chocolat
Prime Video
Chocolat
A mother and daughter move to a small French town where they open a chocolate shop. The town, religious and morally strict, is against them, as they represent free-thinking and indulgence. When a group of gypsies arrive by riverboat, the Mayor's prejudices lead to a crisis.
Chocolat 2000

Reviews

Claysaba
1949/03/12

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

... more
BelSports
1949/03/13

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

... more
Roman Sampson
1949/03/14

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

... more
Logan
1949/03/15

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

... more
dougdoepke
1949/03/16

Because of a quirky trust left by her grandmother, 35-year old Abby goes to college where she and her 17-year old daughter get involved with a handsome professor. And-- as they say-- complications ensue.The movie's 80-minutes of eye-catching fluff from TCF. The look is just right, with a glowing Technicolor perfect for an idealized storyline. Then too, dear Loretta gets to model an array of flattering fashion; plus I'm reminded of a post-war time when girls wore both sweaters and skirts. Ah, yes! The movie's a tartly amusing set-up, no belly laughs, but a few chuckles as the characters tangle and untangle. Fortunately, veteran director Bacon knows how to keep a light touch even through the more dramatic moments. It's also an attractive cast, even if Professor Johnson is something of an idealized stretch. Only teenage cutie Lynn is over the top, at times, while heart-throb Johnson appears privately amused with a sly grin throughout. All in all, this is Hollywood's dream factory hitting on all eight. And catch the naughty book that everyone's sneak-reading— probably seem as innocent now as Old Mother Hubbard. But then, this was a time when kids gathered at the malt shop to listen to swing bands on the jukebox. Fortunately, a lot of that upbeat innocence is reflected in this period piece. Nothing substantive here, just an easy way to pass an evening.

... more
lhallak1
1949/03/17

This film is a late classic film era gem even though it's a light comedy. Loretta Young glows in Academy Award nominated costumes by Kay Nelson, filmed in superb Technicolor thanks to Natalie Kalmus, as the mother of a college-age daughter played by Betty Lynn who needs money to continue her college courses. Mother comes to the rescue by taking advantage of a $3,000 endowment left by her grandmother, Abigail Fortitude, at Pointer College in Jefferson, CT. Both mother and daughter are soon enamored with English Literature Professor Richard Michaels, played by Van Johnson. The storyline is light, but the film captures 1949 college atmosphere and mores delightfully. Ah, the innocent days of college life! The story is a heart-warming blend of mother love, first love angst, and romantic twists and turns among two generations of women in the same family. It's not high drama but If innocence and modesty rate with you, you'll love it. Loretta Young plays the mother of a college student with wisdom and aplomb, making this film one of her "must-see's" for her fans of all ages. 1949, the year this film was released, was also the year that I was born, so it's also a delightful post-war film which baby-boomers will appreciate. The DVD release is gorgeous! So settle back with some popcorn and enjoy!

... more
MartinHafer
1949/03/18

It's funny how times have changed. Back in 1949, people didn't think twice about the idea of a college professor dating one of their students--whereas nowadays that would get a professor fired at most colleges. So, when you see the film understand that times have indeed changed.A mother (Loretta Young) and daughter (Betty Lynn--that's 'Thelma Lou' from "The Andy Griffith Show") have been living beyond their means on the late husband's trust fund. They now find themselves broke and in need of money. In a desperate move to get funds needed to keep the daughter in college, the mother decides to accept a scholarship--a scholarship that provides enough for both of them until they get their next trust fund check. At first, Young feels pretty awkward on campus but soon she settles into things. But, when the English professor who Lynn is infatuated with (Van Johnson) begins to show a lot of interest in Young, things are a bit awkward to say the least! See how all this plays out in this nice little comedy.My feeling about this film is that it's a very slight movie--nothing that will change the world or make you go out of your way to see it. However, like a nice old hat or pair of gloves, it's a nice fit--and very comfortable. The actors are all very good, the film moves along at a nice pace and it's just a lot of fun. They don't make films like this anymore---and that's a shame.

... more
edwagreen
1949/03/19

We have some good themes here with the topics of maturity, going back to school later in life, and mother-daughter falling for the same guy.Loretta Young stars as Abby Fortitude Abbot. Believe me, she had to have plenty of fortitude to star in this rather silly film. Rudy Vallee briefly appears in this film as her lawyer and rival to Prof. Michaels, Van Johnson. Let's face it, the always wonderful Van Johnson is somewhat lost here in the role of the English literature professor.These college pictures always make sure to go around the concentration of academics. College life is essentially one big cheer, rushes and dances. Even the old dean here is a little too friendly.Johnson and Young fall in love in record time, especially with a film less than 1 1/2 hours in length.Let's go back to the drawing board of our Alma Mater.

... more