A Kiss for Corliss

A Kiss for Corliss

Year: 1949

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Wallace

Comedy

After a brief fling with the charming, three‑times‑divorced Kenneth Marquis, Corliss Archer writes in her diary that they are together to make boyfriend Dexter jealous. Unaware her father once defended Marquis’ ex‑wife, Corliss later pretends to have amnesia when she and Dexter return home at five a.m., hoping to avoid punishment.

A Kiss for Corliss (1949) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at A Kiss for Corliss (1949) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a glossy suburb where reputation shines as brightly as the freshly polished cars in the driveways, the Archer household balances genteel respectability with the restless energy of youth. Patriarch Harry Archer—a sharp‑witted attorney accustomed to courtroom dramas—keeps his family’s social standing intact, while his teenage daughter navigates the glittering world of clubs, candy‑wrapped invitations, and whispered rumors that swirl around the neighborhood like perfume in the summer air.

Corlith Archer is a bright, inquisitive girl whose diary becomes a private stage for the fantasies she teeters between and the realities she confronts. When the suave, three‑times‑divorced playboy Kenneth Marquis drifts into her life, his effortless charm and promise of an indulgent, carefree existence ignite a brief but intoxicating fling. Drawn to his magnetism, Corlith pens a series of imagined rendezvous with him, hoping the pages will spark jealousy in her steady boyfriend, Dexter Franklin, and perhaps tilt the balance of affection in her favour.

Unaware that Harry once defended Marquis’s former wife in a contentious legal battle, Corlith finds herself tangled in a web of unintended connections. When a late‑night adventure with Dexter lands them back at the family home in the early hours, the girl resorts to a desperate ploy—pretending to have lost her memory—to deflect her parents’ inevitable disappointment. The charade adds a delicate layer of comedy and tension, highlighting the chasm between adolescent impulse and parental expectation.

Against this backdrop of witty banter, glamorous parties, and the ever‑present buzz of gossip columns, the film paints a portrait of a teenage girl testing the limits of authority while yearning for a taste of adult freedom. The lingering question is how far Corlith will go to protect her secret fantasies and whether the very people she trusts will ever see beyond the polished surface of their seemingly perfect world.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:44

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Teen Fabrication Comedies like A Kiss for Corliss

Lighthearted comedies where a youthful white lie spirals into a chaotic charade.If you liked the playful chaos in A Kiss for Corliss, you'll enjoy similar movies where a teenager's well-intentioned lie spirals into comedic social mayhem. These light, steady-paced comedies capture the whimsical drama of growing up, where the biggest stakes are reputation and young love.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically starts with a protagonist, often a teenager, telling a small lie to achieve a simple goal. This deception quickly snowballs, involving more characters and escalating the misunderstanding with each new development. The plot is driven by the increasing tension of the lie being exposed, culminating in a public reveal that ultimately resolves the conflict and reaffirms the central relationships.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a light, whimsical tone and a focus on the performative nature of adolescence. They feature a steady pacing that builds comedic tension from cause-and-effect misunderstandings, all while maintaining a medium intensity and a light emotional weight, as the consequences are primarily social rather than life-altering.

Domestic Farce Comedies with Mischief like A Kiss for Corliss

Steady-paced family comedies where deception creates a ripple effect of chaos.Fans of A Kiss for Corliss will appreciate similar movies centered on domestic farce and gentle manipulation. These films feature a straightforward plot driven by a mischievous character whose actions create comedic tension between family members and lovers, all resolved with a light, happy feel.

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Narrative Summary

A central character, often charmingly manipulative, sets a plan in motion to achieve a personal goal, such as winning a romantic partner or avoiding punishment. This plan relies on deceiving those around them, leading to a domino effect of misinterpretations and confrontations within a domestic or social setting. The story unfolds in a clear, cause-and-effect manner, building to a climax where the truth is revealed, order is restored, and relationships are strengthened.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their light tone, steady pacing, and focus on the comedic potential of domestic misunderstandings. They explore themes of parental control, romantic rivalry, and social performance without ever becoming dark or heavy, resulting in a consistently whimsical and satisfying viewing experience.

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A Kiss for Corliss Summary

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A Kiss for Corliss Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Kiss for Corliss

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