Merry Andrew

Merry Andrew

Year: 1958

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Kidd

MusicComedyRomance

When Andrew Larabee, an eccentric English teacher, seeks a raise so his fiancée will marry him, his archaeology hobby leads him to an ancient statue burial site. He finds a traveling circus set up above it and is drawn into the act. Falling for acrobat Selena, Andrew must choose between the stage and his original plans.

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Timeline & Setting – Merry Andrew (1958)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Merry Andrew (1958). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Sussex, England, Oxford University, Lord Elmwood's land, Gallini Circus

The action unfolds across the countryside of Sussex, England, where ancient ruins and a field on Lord Elmwood's land intersect with a traveling Gallini Circus. The setting contrasts scholarly digging and live performance, highlighting a place where history and spectacle collide. The Gallini Circus grounds become a focal point for family drama, romance, and a struggle between development and tradition.

🎪 Circus 🧭 Archaeology 🏞️ Rural England

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:55

Main Characters – Merry Andrew (1958)

Meet the key characters of Merry Andrew (1958), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Andrew Larabee

A schoolteacher with a passion for archaeology, Andrew combines charm with a rebellious streak against conventional expectations. His quick wit and knack for turning situations to his advantage drive much of the comedy, while his heart pulls him toward Selena and a modern sense of purpose. He is deeply loyal to his students and determined to earn his father's respect through achievement.

🎭 Entertainer 🧭 Curious 🎯 Ambitious

Letitia Fairchild

Letitia is Andrew’s fiancée of five years, who insists on a promotion before marriage. She is poised, practical, and aware of social expectations, yet she supports Andrew’s ambitions and stands by him as their plans evolve. Her presence adds pressure to the union while providing a stabilizing counterpart to Andrew's impulsiveness.

💍 Romantic 🎯 Ambitious 👩🏻‍💼 Socialite

Matthew Larabee

The headmaster and Andrew’s traditional father, Matthew prizes discipline, stability, and respectability. He is protective of the family legacy and ultimately willing to adjust his stance when Andrew proves his worth. His approval marks a crucial turning point for the protagonist.

🛡️ Traditional 👔 Authority 🎓 Educator

Selena Gallini

Selena is a member of the Gallini circus and a charismatic figure who mentors Andrew in performance and life outside strict academe. Her passion and jealousy complicate matters, yet her connection with Andrew ultimately guides him toward true partnership. She represents freedom, warmth, and the lure of a nonconformist life.

💃 Charming ❤️ Romantic 🗣️ Persuasive

Giacomo Gallini

One of the Gallini brothers, Giacomo is part of the traveling circus culture and supports the troupe’s livelihood. He embodies the family’s resilience and the tight-knit bond that keeps the circus alive against outside pressures.

🎪 Family 🤹 Enterprising

Vittorio Gallini

Vittorio is another member of the Gallini clan, contributing to the circus’s artistry and the overall dynamic of the Gallini family in the field.

🎪 Performer 🫶 Family

Antonio Gallini

The ringmaster whose control of the show helps drive the plot’s circus-centered misadventures. His authority and role in the performance become a catalyst for Andrew’s improvisational skills.

🎭 Ringmaster 🗣️ Commanding

Gregory Larabee

Andrew’s brother, who accompanies the family and the teacher through the story’s twists. His presence highlights sibling perspectives on ambition and family expectations.

👬 Brother 🧭 Loyal

Dudley Larabee

Andrew’s practical, sometimes mischievous brother who travels with the family and supports Andrew’s efforts while challenging his plan. His reactions add humor and warmth to family dynamics.

🤹‍♂️ Mischievous 👨‍👦 Family

Constable

The local police figure who orders the circus to pack up, creating external pressure on the Gallini troupe and the improvised plans around the site. He embodies the law and order of the surrounding community.

👮 Law & order 🧭 Community

Mr. Fairchild

Letitia’s father, a figure of influence and social standing who observes how the drama unfolds and weighs in on the family’s decisions.

👨‍👧 Father figure 💼 Wealth

Wedding Guest

A guest at the ceremony who appears in the film, contributing to the social setting surrounding the marriage plot.

🎉 Guest 🕴️ Social

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:55

Major Themes – Merry Andrew (1958)

Explore the central themes of Merry Andrew (1958), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Circus Life

The circus serves as a dynamic stage where Andrew’s improvisational talents shine, turning a dig site into a spectacle. The story uses performance to explore identity, audience expectations, and the fine line between skill and showmanship. It also shows how spectacle can drive personal advancement and complicate relationships.

🏛️ Tradition

Matthew Larabee embodies traditional values and authority, clinging to reputations and formal advancement. The plot tests these values against modern curiosity, archaeology, and the evolving needs of his son. The tension reveals how institutions respond to unconventional methods and personal ambition.

💖 Love

Romance threads through the story as Andrew balances Letitia’s expectations with his budding feelings for Selena. The engagement, wedding plans, and social pressures illuminate how love can challenge duty and family loyalties. The resolution centers on choosing a true partner and redefining what it means to carry on a family tradition.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:55

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