Year: 1945
Runtime: 90 mins
Language: English
Director: Richard Wallace
After enjoying a two‑year run on Broadway, the hit play was adapted by Columbia into a lively film. The story follows the comedic chaos that spreads through a small town when a 15‑year‑old high‑school student, played by Shirley Temple, is mistakenly thought to be pregnant. The ensuing misunderstandings involve the townspeople and generate a series of humorous situations.
Get a spoiler-free look at Kiss and Tell (1945) 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 bustling little town caught between wartime duty and home‑front optimism, the community gathers around a modest USO bazaar that struggles to attract soldiers. Into this setting strolls Corliss Archer, a bright‑ eyed fifteen‑year‑old whose quick mind and cheeky charm turn a simple fundraising idea into the talk of the town. Together with her loyal best friend Mildred Pringle, she launches a daring scheme—selling kisses to the servicemen—that instantly transforms the quiet booth into the bazaar’s unexpected centerpiece, setting the tone for a comedy that bubbles with youthful ingenuity.
Behind the rosy veneer of the bazaar, the townspeople’s tight‑knit families loom large. Mrs. Archer’s overprotective nature and Mr. Pringle’s stern respectability clash as rumors swirl, and the mere suggestion that Corliss might be expecting a child spirals into a comedic maelstrom of gossip and mistaken assumptions. The ensuing misunderstandings ripple through the Archer and Pringle households, drawing in neighbors, local officials, and a chorus of well‑meaning but meddlesome townsfolk, each adding their own flavor to the escalating pandemonium.
The film’s style mirrors its Broadway roots, blending brisk, screwball dialogue with a breezy, holiday‑like soundtrack that underscores the era’s optimism. Supporting characters such as the affable Private Jimmy Earhart, the earnest boy‑next‑door Dexter Franklin, and the kindly Navy chaplain Uncle George Archer pepper the narrative with warmth and gentle counsel, offering both comic relief and moments of heartfelt sincerity. Their interactions with Corliss and Mildred highlight the charming clash between teenage spontaneity and the town’s more conventional expectations.
Through a kaleidoscope of witty misunderstandings, light‑hearted confrontations, and ever‑turning social whirl, the story promises a lively exploration of how a single rumor can set an entire community into motion. The tone remains buoyant, inviting viewers to watch the characters navigate the tangled web of small‑town life with humor, hope, and a hint of romantic mischief.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:54
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where local rumors spiral into delightful and comedic misunderstandings.If you enjoyed the whirlwind of misunderstandings in Kiss and Tell, you'll love these other movies that thrive on the chaos of small-town gossip. Discover similar comedies where rumors spiral out of control, creating hilarious situations and feuds that are eventually resolved with laughter and reconciliation.
The narrative pattern typically begins with a small, often innocent, secret or mistake that is overheard or misinterpreted. This spark ignites a chain reaction of gossip, pitting neighbors and families against each other in a series of increasingly absurd confrontations. The story builds to a climax where the truth is revealed, leading to reconciliation and a restoration of community harmony.
Movies are grouped here because they share a core comedic engine: the absurdity of human nature magnified by a small-town setting. They feature a LIGHT tone, FAST pacing driven by escalating events, and a consistently humorous mood, ensuring the chaos is entertaining rather than stressful.
Fast-paced comedies where hidden romances cause a cascade of hilarious problems.Fans of the secret marriage chaos in Kiss and Tell will enjoy these movies centered on hidden relationships. Explore similar fast-paced comedies where characters navigate the hilarious fallout of trying to keep a romance under wraps, leading to misunderstandings and eventual happy resolutions.
The plot revolves around a central secret, often a forbidden or impulsive romance that the protagonists believe must be concealed. Their attempts to hide the truth inevitably falter, creating a snowball effect of new lies and complications. The narrative is structured as a farce, with timing and misunderstandings paramount, building towards a public revelation that resolves the conflict and leads to acceptance.
These movies are united by their focus on the comedic potential of secrecy. They share a FAST pace driven by the constant threat of exposure, a LIGHT emotional weight that keeps the stakes fun, and a strong romantic element that is tested and ultimately strengthened by the chaos.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Kiss and Tell in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Kiss and Tell is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Kiss and Tell, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Kiss and Tell with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Kiss and Tell. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Kiss and Tell: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Kiss and Tell that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Kiss and Tell (1945) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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