That Certain Age

Alice Fullerton, a 15-year-old daughter of a newspaper publisher, teams up with a group of boy scouts led by Ken Warren who want to stage a fundraising show to attend camp. She lends the family home for rehearsals and quickly becomes involved in arranging the act. Her involvement sets the stage for later conflicts and affections.

Bill Fullerton offers the house to reporter Vince Bullit so he can work in peace. Vince's presence at the home creates tension for the scouts, who worry they might be kicked out if he stays.

Fearing eviction for the scouts, Alice decides to scare Vincent away by making the house seem haunted. She stages a ghostly display to frighten him, hoping to deter him from staying.

Vincent sees through the hoax and confronts Alice about what she is doing. She confesses the truth about the scouts and their plans, and Vincent chooses to sympathize with them and leave, even though Bill would prefer he stayed.

Alice changes her mind when she discovers Vincent is ill and begins to take care of him. During this time she develops a crush on him as she tends to his needs.

Ken, who also has feelings for Alice, grows jealous and tries to replace her with singer Mary Lee. The power struggle inside the group heightens tensions during rehearsals.

Alice decides to buy Vincent an expensive gift and sells some of her belongings to fund a cigarette lighter. The gesture signals her mounting attachment and the lengths she will go to win his favor.

On the night of the party, she borrows a dress from her mother to look older and, in a tense moment, demands her mother remove it. The act leaves her mood dark and she refuses to talk to anyone.

Ken tells Vincent and Alice's parents that she is in love with Vincent. The rumor intensifies social pressure and threatens the delicate balance between family, friends, and the show.

Alice's mother tries to discourage her daughter from pursuing Vincent, but Alice remains determined to marry him. The conflict tests loyalties and challenges her adolescent impulses.

At the height of the tensions, Alice's mother tells a lie claiming Vincent is married to Grace Bristow. The falsehood shatters Alice's romantic dream and pushes her toward a different course.

Mary Lee becomes ill, and Alice is allowed to take over the part in the show. This turn of events lets Alice step into the spotlight and signals a new chapter in her involvement with Vincent and the scouts.