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The Major and the Minor

Play trailer Poster for The Major and the Minor 1942 1h 40m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 20 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Susan Applegate (Ginger Rogers) decides to leave New York City and take a train back to Iowa, but she has only enough money for a child's ticket. She disguises herself as a young girl and, after being discovered by the train conductor, hides out in the car of Major Kirby (Ray Milland). Kirby believes she is a child and watches after her. But as Kirby's fiancée (Rita Johnson) and others grow suspicious of Susan's ruse, her cleverness is thoroughly tested.

Critics Reviews

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Variety Staff Variety A sparkling and effervescing piece of farce-comedy. Aug 14, 2007 Full Review Derek Adams Time Out Pretty irresistible, nevertheless, with Rogers doing a beautiful job of dovetailing sexual provocation and demure innocence. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review Bosley Crowther New York Times Miss Rogers and Mr. Milland have played it with spirit and taste. Never once does either permit the suggestion of a leer to creep in. Rated: 4/5 May 20, 2003 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The dialogue is spot-on; rarely has a comedy been designed with such expert pacing for dispensing laughs, as well as a knack for arranging sensationally absurd interactions that feel natural in the context of the story. Rated: 9/10 Nov 8, 2024 Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia A comedy from Billy Wilder in which I spend quite a nice time with the romantic adventures of Ray Milland and Ginger Rogers. Full review in Spanish Rated: 7/10 Apr 9, 2022 Full Review Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com Sure, she has her requisite moment to show off her dancing abilities, but what The Major and the Minor really showcases is Roger's dexterity for comedic timing. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 11, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alec B A thoroughly bizzare comedy but it's worth recognizing that the movie somehow never becomes creepy. It maintains a consistently straightforward innocent silliness so no one is going to take any of this seriously. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/04/25 Full Review Erin H One of my favorites! I've seen it twice, and it was just as good the second time. Ray Milland has never been more charming. One interesting note is that Ginger Rogers actual mother plays her character's mother in the movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/02/25 Full Review Steve D embarrassing for all involved. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 05/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Funny, feel good movie. Ginger Rodgers and Ray Milland, great chemistry. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review william d The film's unlikely premise is never fulfilled. I couldn't buy Ginger Rogers as a 12 year old girl for a single minute, and that kept me from buying into the entire story. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member An absolutely enchanting romance comedy with delightful chemistry between leads Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland. The film is as fun as it is funny, filled with charming moment and witty gags. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Major and the Minor

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Cast & Crew

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Billy Wilder

Director

Ginger Rogers

Susan Applegate

Ray Milland

Major Kirby

Rita Johnson

Pamela Hill

Robert Benchley

Mr. Osborne

Diana Lynn

Lucy Hill

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The Major and the Minor

The Major and the Minor (1942) The Major and the Minor (1942) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Susan Applegate (Ginger Rogers) decides to leave New York City and take a train back to Iowa, but she has only enough money for a child's ticket. She disguises herself as a young girl and, after being discovered by the train conductor, hides out in the car of Major Kirby (Ray Milland). Kirby believes she is a child and watches after her. But as Kirby's fiancée (Rita Johnson) and others grow suspicious of Susan's ruse, her cleverness is thoroughly tested.
Director
Billy Wilder
Producer
Arthur Hornblow Jr.
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 16, 1942, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Apr 22, 2008
Runtime
1h 40m