When the story begins, you learn that Jane (Jane Withers) has been living on her father's ranch in the middle of nowhere. However, as she's a teen, she needs to be around kids and get some civilizing....as she's driven away tutor after tutor. So, her father sends her off to a boarding school in San Antonio. The school is run by Jane's uncle...and the film is about her difficulties and successes in adjusting to this life.
This is an unusual film when seen today. First, in some ways young Jane is a bit like Yosemite Sam....Samantha! She's a rootin', tootin', ropin' fool...a most unusual sort of stereotype. Second, the school...well...I wonder if ANY school has ever been like this one! Weird marching, costumes and a weird semi-school like atmosphere that seems totally bizarre today. You just have to see it to believe it. Subtle?! No way....not in the least!! But on the positive side, this film is unusual because the kids in the film look like teenagers. Most films of the era featured 'teens' who were 24-32 (thereabouts) and I laugh when I see these pictures. But Jane is 14 and the others I checked on were all teens as well...which I appreciated.
So is this any good? Well, it depends on who is watching. If you are cynical and can't stand the thought of a kids' movie...keep looking. On the other hand, it is an agreeable time passer and Jane is nice in the lead. Undemanding and reasonably fun.
This is an unusual film when seen today. First, in some ways young Jane is a bit like Yosemite Sam....Samantha! She's a rootin', tootin', ropin' fool...a most unusual sort of stereotype. Second, the school...well...I wonder if ANY school has ever been like this one! Weird marching, costumes and a weird semi-school like atmosphere that seems totally bizarre today. You just have to see it to believe it. Subtle?! No way....not in the least!! But on the positive side, this film is unusual because the kids in the film look like teenagers. Most films of the era featured 'teens' who were 24-32 (thereabouts) and I laugh when I see these pictures. But Jane is 14 and the others I checked on were all teens as well...which I appreciated.
So is this any good? Well, it depends on who is watching. If you are cynical and can't stand the thought of a kids' movie...keep looking. On the other hand, it is an agreeable time passer and Jane is nice in the lead. Undemanding and reasonably fun.