Has Anybody Seen My Gal? (film)

Has Anybody Seen My Gal? is a 1952 American comedy film distributed by Universal-International, directed by Douglas Sirk, and stars Piper Laurie, Rock Hudson, Charles Coburn, and Gigi Perreau. It is loosely based upon the Eleanor Porter novel ,"Oh Money! Money!". Set in the 1920s, the film leans heavily on period detail, such as flappers, the Charleston and raccoon coats. It is named for the jazz song "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?" which was a hit for The California Ramblers during the '20s. Though the song is sung during the movie, its lyrics have no particular relation to the plot.

Plot
The year is 1928. Samuel Fulton (Charles Coburn) is an old and lonely New York millionaire who has decided to leave his fortune to the family of the late Millicent Blaisdell. Millicent is the only woman he has ever been in love with, but she did not return his love. Samuel explains to his lawyer Edward Norton (Frank Ferguson) that losing the love of his life inspired him to become a wealthy businessman. Fearing the family will spend the money the wrong way, he decides to visit them in their small Vermont town, renting a room in their house under the alias John Smith.

Roberta, the youngest daughter, (Gigi Perreau) wastes no time in making him feel welcome. He notices that the Blaisdells are a happy family who, although poor, are proud of their background. Father Charles (Larry Gates) has taught the family not to value materialistic products. Nevertheless, mother Harriet (Lynn Bari) wishes for her daughter Millicent (Piper Laurie) to marry Carl Pennock (Skip Homeier), a wealthy, snobbish young man who can buy Millicent everything that Harriet never had. Millicent, however, is not keen on Carl and prefers to marry Dan Stebbins (Rock Hudson), a poor soda jerk.

One night, Millie and Dan announce their engagement, which upsets Harriet. Shortly after, Norton arrives, announcing that the family has inherited $100,000 from an unknown man. The family immediately gives up their humble life for the upper-class lifestyle. The oldest son Howard (William Reynolds) immediately starts gambling and lands in debt, which prompts Samuel to help him. Meanwhile, Dan, feeling he can never live up to Millie's expectations, breaks off their engagement. Afterwards, Millie reluctantly starts dating Carl again, under the pressure of her mother.

Samuel helps Millie and Howard escape from a raid, which results in his being jailed. Harriet feels that Samuel's presence is ruining the family image, unaware of the reason he ended up in jail. He is supported by Dan, who admits his intentions of leaving town to build a career. Trying to prevent Millie and Dan from disappearing out of each other's life, Samuel sets up a meeting at the cinema. There, an argument follows, and Millie exclaims her hatred for the family's sudden wealth. She is comforted by Samuel and attracts the attention of other theatre-goers, who suspect that Sam and Millie were necking.

During the ongoing social party at Blaisdell's house, there is gossip of the necking in the cinema, which prompts Harriet to force Millie to announce her engagement to Carl. Meanwhile, Charles announces he has lost his investments, which makes Samuel realize that the Blaisdells are in no position to make wise financial decisions. Obligated by Samuel, Norton refuses to give them a loan, after which Charles begs the Pennocks for money. Pennock Senior (Paul McVey) refuses the loan and leaves with wife and son Carl, which makes it clear that the engagement is off. Much to Harriet's distress, the Blaisdell family returns to their old lifestyle. At the end, Roberta reveals that 'John' has won the first prize at an art show, since she secretly entered his paintings. Samuel leaves the house to avoid the press and realizes that the Blaisdells now think of him as the grandfather he could have been.

Cast

 * Piper Laurie as Millicent 'Millie' Blaisdell
 * Rock Hudson as Dan Stebbins
 * Charles Coburn as Samuel Fulton/John Smith
 * Gigi Perreau as Roberta Blaisdell
 * Lynn Bari as Harriet Blaisdell
 * Larry Gates as Charles Blaisdell
 * William Reynolds as Howard Blaisdell
 * Skip Homeier as Carl Pennock
 * Paul McVey as Lester Pennock
 * Gloria Holden as Clarissa Pennock
 * Frank Ferguson as Edward Norton
 * Paul Harvey as Judge Wilkins
 * Sally Creighton as Arline Benson
 * James Dean as Youth at Soda Fountain (uncredited)
 * Philo McCullough as Mr. Benson (uncredited)
 * Jack Mower as Court Clerk (uncredited)

Production
Working titles of the film are Oh Money, Money and Has Anybody Seen My Girl.

James Dean has an uncredited role as a young man in one of the soda fountain scenes.

Home media
Universal released this film on DVD in 2006 as part of the Rock Hudson Screen Legend Collection, a 3-disc set featuring four other films (A Very Special Favor, The Golden Blade, The Last Sunset, and The Spiral Road). Universal then re-released this film in 2015 as a stand-alone DVD as part of its Universal Vault Series. There is also a Region 2 DVD release of this film.