FuzzyTagz
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
Rio Hayward
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Bob
This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.
Jenni Devyn
Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.
JohnHowardReid
SYNOPSIS: Timothy Dennis (Mickey Rooney) and his sister (Juanita Quigley) travel the Atlantic to Eton to live with their newly married mother (Marta Linden) and stepfather (Ian Hunter). (Hmm. That doesn't sound so good. Better make it "their recently remarried mother." No, that won't quite do either. Better leave it). At first, our Mick is a bit resentful at being enrolled at Eton, but by film's end he comes to love the Brits.NOTES: As a generalization, Freund photographed the first two-thirds of the film up to and including the car crash sequence, at which point Lawton took over. The difference between the gray-toned lighting favored by Freund and the glossy blacks created by Lawton is really striking. On the other hand, the camera-work is more inventive under Freund's control, using a combination of effective tracking shots and attractive compositions.This was Freddie Bartholomew's last important film role. He starred in a PRC movie, "The Town Went Wild", released in 1945, and finished up with a co-starring part in Edgar Ulmer's "Saint Benny the Dip" (1951). COMMENT: The screenplay itself comes across as rather dated, thanks to blatant wartime propaganda sermonizing, but the players give it their all. In fact, many of the actors seem a bit too anxious to make an impression somewhat larger than life. Edmund Gwenn appears a trifle overly patronizing, whilst Miss Quigley lays on her over- precocious mannerisms with a trowel. On the other hand, Ian Hunter is his usual stuffy self. Alan Mowbray, however, has to be content with only a small part as a helpful driver.As for Master Rooney/Maguire/Yule, he does his best with a rather odd script that doesn't always present the character in a favorable light. The assault on Alan Napier, for example, whilst it makes for plenty of scuffling action, becomes rather violent. It's also rather dubiously motivated and even morally irresponsible. Even if we apply the old adage that boys will be boys, it still loses a deal of sympathy for the title character. Nonetheless, "A Yank at Eton" has been realized on a grand scale, with top location and studio photography, nice second unit work and a wonderfully appropriate Etonian score (deftly recorded too). Although the main unit worked entirely in Hollywood, both exterior locations on the MGM back lot and interiors within the sound stages, all look solidly authentic.
utgard14
Fun Mickey Rooney picture with Mickey as an American teenager who's a big shot and football star at his high school before his mom marries a stuffy Brit and forces Mickey and his little sister to move to England. Cue the expected clichés that come with fish out of water stories like this. Despite its formulaic plot, it's pretty solid entertainment thanks to that great old MGM gloss and a wonderful cast. Mickey is enjoyable as always, of course. The rest of the cast includes Ian Hunter, Edmund Gwenn, Alan Mowbry, Freddie Bartholomew, and a young Peter Lawford. Not too shabby. The scene stealers are the younger actors, Juanita Quigley and Raymond Severn. Quigley reminds me a little of Virginia Weidler. It's a good movie, though not a great one, that will likely entertain most classic film fans on a rainy Saturday afternoon. It's got heart and humor and feel-good patriotism like they excelled at in the old days. Give it a look if you're a Mickey Rooney fan. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
wes-connors
Kept back in high school, to possibly improve his football prowess, exuberant Mickey Rooney (as Timothy "Tim" Dennis) is shocked by the appearance of little sister Juanita Quigley (as Jane, "The Runt") in the boys locker room. The adolescent "Baby Jane" has some not-so-swell news - single mom Marta Linden (as Winifred) has just married wealthy British Ian Hunter (as Roger Carlton), and the family is relocating to England. Needless to say, Mr. Rooney is excited, but not about the move; he was hoping to play football at Notre Dame, but finds himself, instead, "A Yank at Eton".Teenage brother-by-marriage Freddie Bartholomew (as Peter Carlton) shows Rooney the ropes at jolly old Eton, and later becomes involved in the obligatory disciplinary misunderstanding. Bullying young Peter Lawford (as Ronnie Kenvil) provides conflict. Gruff Edmund Gwenn (as Justin) is the headmaster. Adorable little Raymond Severn (as "Inky" Weeld) sends the cute quotient off the charts, especially when paired with Ms. Quigley. This film seems to be a follow-up to "A Yank at Oxford" (1938), with Bartholomew swiped from RKO's "Tom Brown's School Days" (1940).Terry Kilburn has a bigger part than King Baggot.There are a few heart-tugging scenes, and an unmistakable wartime message. One of the comedy highlights occurs when most of the featured players eat a cake Rooney makes with glue - it's either awkward, stupid, or funny, depending on your level of appreciation for Mickey Rooney off the MGM production-line. "A Yank at Eton" had all the ingredients needed to keep box offices busy, which it did. Rooney was sitting comfortably at #4 in the Quigley "Top Ten" stars list; he gets a strong supporting cast, top flight crew, and proved formula. Producer John Considine's kid stayed in the picture.***** A Yank at Eton (10/8/42) Norman Taurog ~ Mickey Rooney, Freddie Bartholomew, Juanita Quigley, Peter Lawford
robtday
I always thought Mickey Rooney could do it all and here he is very good as an American who gets uprooted to England. It's pretty funny to see how he contrasts his Americanness (slang etc.) with the stuffy British ways. The the girl who plays the visiting American snob is a little too much though. The best scenes are Rooneys when he is battling the school system though I was annoyed with him when he took the prize horse out of the stable -- you just knew something bad was going to happen. I also like Ian Hunter as his stepfather; His films are always good too. Freddie Batholomew showed why MGM had great child stars. A nice diversion.