Watch The Reluctant Debutante

The Reluctant Debutante is a charming comedy-drama film released in 1958. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, the movie stars Rex Harrison, Kay Kendall, and John Saxon in lead roles. The story revolves around a young American girl who is taken to London by her mother to make her debut as a socialite. The protagonist, Jane Broadbent (Sandra Dee), is a tomboy who has grown up in a middle-class family in America. Her mother, Sheila (Kay Kendall), is an ambitious woman who dreams of her daughter making a successful debut in London's elite society. However, Jane is not interested in the idea of being a debutante and is more interested in playing sports and spending time with her boyfriend, David Fenner (John Saxon).

The story takes a turn when Jane and her mother arrive in London for her debutante season. Jane finds herself swept up in the world of high society parties and events, but she struggles to fit in with the other debutantes who are more interested in fashion and gossip. Things become even more complicated when David arrives in London and Jane's mother objects to their relationship.

Meanwhile, Jane's father, Jimmy Broadbent (Rex Harrison), is a successful American businessman who is visiting London for work. He is not thrilled about his daughter's debutante season and is wary of the British upper class. But when Jimmy meets Sheila's old flame, the charming and aristocratic Lord John Brindale (Peter Myers), he begins to understand why his wife is so determined to make a good impression in London society.

With its witty dialogue and endearing characters, The Reluctant Debutante captures the hustle and bustle of London's social scene in the 1950s. The film is notable for its performances, particularly those of Kay Kendall and Rex Harrison who effortlessly convey the tensions between their characters. Sandra Dee is also excellent as Jane, portraying the character's resistance to the debutante lifestyle with sincerity and humor. John Saxon brings a youthful energy to the film as David, the boyfriend who is determined to win Jane's heart.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail in portraying the London debutante season. The audience is treated to a visual feast of elegant ballrooms and lavish parties, with beautiful costume designs by Irene Sharaff. The film also provides a glimpse into the rigid social hierarchy of British society, where status and class are still very important.

Overall, The Reluctant Debutante is a delightful movie that combines humor, romance, and social commentary. It is a lighthearted and entertaining look at the clash between American and British culture in the 1950s. The film's themes of family, love, and personal identity are universal and still resonate with audiences today.

The Reluctant Debutante is a 1958 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.