Watch Confidentially Connie

Confidentially Connie is a 1953 romantic comedy directed by Edward Buzzell, starring Van Johnson as Steve Mason, Janet Leigh as Connie Bedloe, and Louis Calhern as Mr. Bedloe. The film tells the story of a young couple who must deal with the disapproval of the girl's father when they want to get married. Connie is a smart and attractive young woman who wants to marry her boyfriend Steve, an aerospace engineer. Unfortunately, her father Mr. Bedloe, who is the head of a publishing company, does not approve of their relationship. He sees Steve as an unreliable dreamer who cannot provide a stable life for Connie. However, Connie is determined to follow her heart and marry Steve, no matter what her father thinks.

To try to win her father's approval, Connie enlists the help of her friend and coworker, Sylvia (played by Patricia Medina). Sylvia advises her to make Steve appear more successful by creating a false persona for him. They develop a fake backstory for Steve, portraying him as a successful businessman who is about to close a big deal with an important company.

The plan seems to work initially, and Mr. Bedloe is impressed with Steve's supposed success. However, things take a turn for the worse when the executive from the fictional company arrives unexpectedly to close the deal. Steve is forced to continue the charade, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings.

Throughout the film, we see Connie struggle to balance her desire to please her father with her love for Steve. She is torn between the expectations of her family and her own desires, making her character very relatable to the audience. Her attraction to Steve comes across as genuine, and their chemistry is evident in each scene they share, elevating the film's romantic elements.

The performances of the three leads are exceptional. Van Johnson plays the charming and confident Steve, who is willing to go to any lengths to win over his future father-in-law. Johnson brings a sense of warmth and sincerity to the character, making him all the more endearing. Janet Leigh also impresses as Connie, playing the role with a mixture of sweetness and determination. Her chemistry with Johnson is one of the highlights of the film. Louis Calhern puts in a measured performance as Mr. Bedloe, portraying him as a stern and no-nonsense businessman who only wants what is best for his daughter.

The film's script, written by Max Shulman and George Oppenheimer, is clever and witty, delivering a mix of sharp dialogue and slapstick humor. The plot moves at a brisk pace, keeping the audience engaged throughout the film's 74-minute runtime. The movie's plot twists are unexpected and clever, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.

The film is also notable for its technical achievements. The opening sequence, which features an animated credits sequence, is a standout. The film is shot in gorgeous Technicolor, with the bright colors and vivid images making for a visual treat.

Overall, Confidentially Connie is a delightful romantic comedy that is as charming today as it was when it was released over 60 years ago. With its witty script, standout performances, and impeccable direction, it's no surprise that the film was a hit upon its release.

Confidentially Connie is a 1952 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.