Room for One More (1952)

Room for One More Poster

Anne and "Poppy" Rose have three quirky kids. Anne has a generous heart and the belief in the innocence of children. To the unhappy surprise of her husband she takes in the orphan Jane, a problem child who already tried to kill herself once.

Film Description
"Room for One More" is a captivating 1952 movie directed by Norman Taurog. The film is based upon Anna Perrott Rose's autobiographical account of her life experiences in rural New Jersey. The movie showcases the heartfelt story of Anna and her husband, "Poppy" Rose, who valiantly raise a household of biological in addition to foster children.

Plot Summary
The film opens with Anna Rose (played by Betsy Drake) and her spouse, Poppy Rose (played by Cary Grant), who have a happy affair with their 3 biological children. Anna fulfills a dissatisfied, maimed kid, Jimmy-John, in the camp where she works as a volunteer. Touched by his situation, she persuades Poppy to take him home for a weekend. They ultimately adopt him in spite of his physical restrictions.

In among the parent-teacher conferences, Anna learns about Jane, a struggling teenager deserted by her moms and dads who is underperforming academically. Anna decides to provide Jane a home and another chance at life. She convinces Poppy, who at first withstands, however relents seeing the determination in his spouse's eyes.

Representation of the Heart of Parenthood
The portrayal of the transformative power of love and approval is the central style in "Room for One More". Although Jimmy-John and Jane are at first hostile and resistive, the couple's relentless love and trust in their possible gradually turn their lives around. Jimmy-John starts recovering, restores his self-confidence, and even manages to sign up with the high school football team as a manager. Likewise, Jane opens up, enhances her scholastic performance and finally ends up being the class president.

Memorable Moments
Among the most touching moments in the movie is when Poppy rescues Jimmy-John having a hard time in a swimming pool, fostering a deeper bond between them. The family's unwavering faith in Jane, even in times of a scandal relating to a taken bracelet, stands apart as a shining testimony to the film's style of acceptance and steadfast love.

Crucial Reception
"Room for One More" was a business success in its day and stood apart for Grant's departure from his normal suave and sophisticated roles to play a delicate, loving family man. Critics lauded the film's message of love and acceptance, with some mentioning it as a testament to the common heroes - foster parents, who use children a chance at a better life.

Conclusion
In essence, "Room for One More" is not simply a movie about promoting children, however a profound commentary on the power of love, compassion, and acceptance. The movie brings the classic message that every kid, regardless of their circumstances and capabilities, has a distinct prospective waiting to be found and nurtured. The journey of Anna and Poppy Rose as they take troubled children under their wings and change their lives produces a psychological yet satisfying cinematic experience.

Top Cast

  • Cary Grant (small)
    Cary Grant
    George "Poppy" Rose
  • Betsy Drake (small)
    Betsy Drake
    Anna Perrott Rose
  • Lurene Tuttle (small)
    Lurene Tuttle
    Miss Kenyon
  • Randy Stuart (small)
    Randy Stuart
    Mrs. Gladys Foreman
  • John Ridgely (small)
    John Ridgely
    Harry Foreman
  • Irving Bacon (small)
    Irving Bacon
    Mayor Michael J. Kane
  • Mary Treen (small)
    Mary Treen
    Grace Roberts (as Mary Lou Treen)
  • Iris Mann
    Jane Miller
  • George Winslow (small)
    George Winslow
    Teenie Rose
  • Clifford Tatum Jr.
    Jimmy John Wilson
  • Gay Gordon
    Trot