

Movie spotlight
Seventeen
A high-school student in a small town becomes smitten with the sophisticated new girl who's just arrived from Chicago. Based on Booth Tarkington's story.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on the Booth Tarkington novel, 'Seventeen' follows the romantic misadventures of William Baxter "Willie" Baxter, a seventeen-year-old boy who is navigating the awkward transition into adulthood. Willie falls head over heels for the new girl in town, Jane Cedar, while also dealing with the affections of his mother's young house guest, Flossie Littledale. The story captures the often-hilarious and sometimes poignant experiences of adolescent love, social anxieties, and the desire to be taken seriously.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Seventeen' received a generally positive reception, with critics often praising its faithful adaptation of Booth Tarkington's beloved novel and the performances of its young cast, particularly Jackie Cooper. The film was seen as a charming and relatable portrayal of teenage life in its era, capturing the era's social nuances and the universal themes of first love and awkward adolescence.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its faithful adaptation of a popular novel.
Appreciated for its charming portrayal of teenage awkwardness and romance.
Jackie Cooper's performance as the titular character was often highlighted.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Seventeen (1940)' is not readily available, but general audience reception at the time of its release was favorable, often noting its lighthearted and relatable depiction of adolescence.
Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of Booth Tarkington's 1907 novel of the same name, which was a bestseller and widely popular, capturing the zeitgeist of early 20th-century American adolescence.
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