Two Weeks with Love (1950)

Film Overview
"Two Weeks with Love" is an American romantic musical film, directed by Roy Rowland and produced by Jack Cummings in prestigious Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1950. The film includes several Hollywood stars consisting of Jane Powell, Ricardo Montalbán, Debbie Reynolds, and Carleton Carpenter, among others. The film is best-known for its appealing musical numbers "Abba Dabba Honeymoon" and "A Heart That's Free".

Plot Summary
The story focuses on the Robinson household vacationing at the Kissimee in the 19th-century Catskill Mountains. The two Robinson children, Patti and Melba, played by Jane Powell and Debbie Reynolds respectively, are at the center of the plot. Eighteen-year-old Patti is tired of her parents treating her like a kid and aspires to mature, believe she's ready for love and adult experiences.

Patti's crush, Demi Armendez, is played by Ricardo Montalbán. However, she deals with an obstacle as her mother insists Patti is too young and should wait till she's 20 prior to wearing a bodice and dating men. However Patti believes dressing more maturely with a bodice is the essential to winning Demi's heart.

Conflict and Resolution
The twist reaches the end of the first week of holiday when Patti's mother relents and allows her to wear a corset. On the other hand, all-American boy Billy Finlay, played by Carleton Carpenter, expresses his interest in Melba, which is reciprocated.

In her mature outfit, Patti feels confident enough to propose a bet to a snobbish rival Valerie, who also flirts with Demi. They agree that whoever gets a marriage proposal by the end of the trip wins. However, Patti misconstrues a conversation and wrongly thinks Demi proposed to Valerie. Devastated, she prepares to leave the resort with her household.

Climax and Denouement
In the climax, Demi states his love for Patti, and reveals he never proposed to Valerie, admitting that he can not live without Patti. The film concludes with a delighted ending: Patti accepts Demi's proposal, and Melba embarks on a relationship with Billy. Patti likewise understands that winning Demi's heart had more to do with her character and less with wearing a bodice.

Reception and Influence
"Two Weeks with Love" was popular by the audience upon its release. The film was critical in helping develop Debbie Reynolds and Carleton Carpenter's careers, especially the remarkable duet "Abba Dabba Honeymoon". The movie uses a delightful and amusing representation of puppy love, innocence, and the adversities of growing up.

The film stands out for its dynamic musical score, engaging plot, and exceptional performances from its cast, that make it an enjoyable watch even today. It beautifully records the complexities and innocence of teenage love and the transition to their adult years, making it a timeless classic in the romantic musical genre.

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