That Certain Age

That Certain Age

Year: 1938

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Edward Ludwig

MusicComedy

Vincent Bullit, a dashing reporter returned from covering the Spanish Civil War, is invited by his newspaper‑magnate boss, Mr. Fullerton, to stay at the Fullerton estate and write a series of European articles before being sent to China. While there, Fullerton’s teenage daughter Alice develops a crush on the older Bullit, prompting her boyfriend, Boy Scout Ken Warren, and the Fullertons to intervene and try to steer her away, underscoring the trials of that “certain age.”

That Certain Age (1938) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at That Certain Age (1938) 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 the polished world of a powerful newspaper empire, a charismatic reporter fresh from the front lines of the Spanish Civil War is summoned to the sprawling Fullerton estate. Invited by his stern yet supportive boss, Mr. Fullerton, the journalist is given a rare respite to pen a series of European pieces before his next assignment in far‑away China. The house, with its manicured lawns and genteel interiors, glows with the confidence of old‑money elegance, while the air buzzes with the quiet anticipation of stories waiting to be told.

Amid the polished surroundings lives Alice Fullerton, the fifteen‑year‑old daughter of the publishing magnate. Bright, spirited, and on the cusp of adulthood, she is simultaneously drawn into the world of the local Boy Scouts—led by her steady boyfriend, Ken Warren—who are planning a charitable showcase to fund their camp adventures. Alice’s involvement with the scouts offers her a taste of responsibility and community, yet the arrival of the experienced reporter awakens a more personal curiosity that begins to flutter just beyond the bounds of teenage propriety.

The film balances lighthearted humor with a gentle, nostalgic look at the turbulence of youth. Vincent Bullit carries the poise of a seasoned writer, his worldly perspective contrasting with the earnest idealism of the estate’s younger inhabitants. As the characters move through rehearsals, hushed conversations, and the occasional playful ruse, a soft undercurrent of yearning and self‑discovery weaves through the narrative. The tone remains warm and witty, inviting the audience to linger over the charming quirks of an upper‑class household where the lines between duty, romance, and youthful ambition blur in delightful, unhurried fashion.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:08

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Movies like That Certain Age: Playful Teenage Crush Comedies

Heartwarming stories of youthful infatuation, gentle misunderstandings, and innocent first love.If you enjoyed the innocent charm and youthful romance of That Certain Age, you'll love these films. Discover classic and modern movies with similar stories of puppy love, gentle family dynamics, and lighthearted coming-of-age adventures.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a young protagonist navigating their first significant romantic feelings, often for someone slightly unattainable. The plot revolves around gentle misunderstandings, comedic interventions from family or friends, and a central conflict that is more endearing than dramatic, leading to a resolution that celebrates personal growth.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a specific, gentle vibe centered on youthful innocence. They balance romantic themes with light comedy, maintain a low-intensity, steady pace, and deliver a heartwarming, nostalgic viewing experience focused on the universal trials of adolescence.

Stories with the Charming Vibe of That Certain Age

Witty and graceful stories set in elegant homes, where social expectations create gentle drama.Fans of the sophisticated yet lighthearted world of That Certain Age will appreciate these movies. Explore similar films set in elegant estates, featuring witty social comedies, romantic entanglements, and a focus on charming characters navigating their world with grace and humor.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative unfolds in a refined, often upper-class setting, where an outside influence or a minor social transgression disrupts the household's equilibrium. The conflict is primarily driven by misunderstandings and the clash between personal feelings and social expectations, resolved through cleverness and warmth rather than confrontation.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their specific world-building and tone. They share a light, steady pacing, a focus on character interactions over complex plotting, and an overall atmosphere of charming innocence set against a backdrop of comfort and elegance.

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That Certain Age Summary

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That Certain Age Summary

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That Certain Age Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in That Certain Age

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Characters, Settings & Themes in That Certain Age

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