Alpha's been raised along scientific principles, and will make Mike Regan a great human interest story for his paper. But when his interview prompts Alpha to run away from the institute and ask him to show her some magic, Mike gets more responsibility than he bargained for. Especially since another story of his, one involving gangsters, has also come home to roost.
Acting
Margaret O'Brien weaponizes precociousness — devastatingly calculated tears incoming.
Direction
Roy Rowland balances screwball and gangster tones without whiplash.
Writing
Dialogue treats childhood intelligence with actual respect — rare for 1943.
Director
Roy Rowland
Margaret O'Brien
Alpha
James Craig
Mike Regan
Marsha Hunt
Katie Mallory
Philip Merivale
Professor Peter Vincent
Henry O'Neill
Professor Josh Pringle
Donald Meek
Professor Catty
Keenan Wynn
Packy Roost
Alan Napier
Dr. Woodring
Sara Haden
Rhoda Kitterick
Kathleen Lockhart
Mrs. Catty
Howard Freeman
Professor Richards
Walter Fenner
Professor Endicott
Elisabeth Risdon
Mrs. Pringle
Robert Blake
Jerry
Barbara Bedford
Telephone Operator (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Margaret O'Brien's first starring role after stealing scenes in 'Journey for Margaret' — MGM fast-tracked her to fill the Shirley Temple gap.
The 'scientific child-rearing' premise mocked progressive education theories popular in 1930s America — the film quietly sides with messy humanism over sterile expertise.
US
