There’s One Born Every Minute

There’s One Born Every Minute

Year: 1942

Runtime: 60 mins

Language: English

Director: Harold Young

Comedy

A lively comedy marking nine‑year‑old Elizabeth Taylor’s film debut: she plays the spoiled daughter of a pudding magnate who is entered into the mayoral race by local businessmen hoping to use him as a puppet. The magnate advertises his product as containing the miracle “Vitamin Z,” sparking a pudding boom and a well‑funded campaign. When the nonexistent vitamin is uncovered, the town’s power brokers scramble to expose the candidate as a fraud.

There’s One Born Every Minute (1942) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the bustling, self‑named charm of Witumpka Falls, a small town where a fresh batch of pudding can spark a town‑wide buzz, the film opens on Lemuel P. Twine, the affable owner of Twine’s Tasty Pudding Powder Company. His life is a mixture of comfortable routine and the occasional tug of civic duty, amplified by the gentle prodding of his steadfast wife, Minerva Twine, who sees in him the potential to shake up the local political scene. The town itself feels like a stage for light‑hearted satire, its streets lined with storefronts eager to profit from the latest fad, and its citizens ready to cheer a home‑grown hero.

The Twine family adds both warmth and comic friction. Their daughter, Helen Barbara Twine, is the quintessential spoiled yet endearing youngster, whose romantic entanglements with the ambitious son of a prominent business family keep the household lively. Meanwhile, her former flame, the quick‑witted Jimmy Hanagan, returns from his studies with fresh ideas that could turn a modest pudding brand into a national sensation. Their chemistry, set against the backdrop of small‑town gossip, hints at the playful tug‑of‑war between youthful passion and pragmatic ambition.

Enter the Cadwalader clan, a trio of influential locals led by patriarch Les Cadwalader, Sr. and his enterprising son Les Cadwalader, Jr.. Their interest in Lem’s sudden political ascent is unmistakable, as they see in his candidacy an opportunity to guide the town’s future from behind the scenes. The promise of a mayoral campaign—paired with a clever marketing ploy involving a fictitious “Vitamin Z” boost for their beloved pudding—creates a whirlwind of optimism, buzz, and comedic speculation. The town’s boardrooms, town halls, and kitchen tables become arenas where earnest reform, entrepreneurial swagger, and good‑natured scheming intersect.

Within this bright, fast‑paced comedy, the central question lingers: can Lem’s genuine good intentions survive the inevitable clash between idealism and the well‑meaning but meddlesome ambitions of the town’s power brokers? The film revels in the whimsical dance of politics, product hype, and family dynamics, inviting the audience to enjoy the ride before the final vote is even cast.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:00

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Movies about whimsical small-town scoundrels like There’s One Born Every Minute

Charming comedies where lovable rogues stir up trouble in cozy communities.If you enjoyed the charming chaos of There’s One Born Every Minute, you'll love these movies. This collection features lighthearted comedies about quirky schemes and lovable rogues causing gentle trouble in cozy settings, perfect for viewers seeking similar upbeat and whimsical stories.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically begin with an ambitious, often foolish, plan to make money or gain status in a small community. The scheme quickly spirals out of control, exposing the town's quirky dynamics and leading to public confrontations. The narrative arc focuses on gentle comeuppance and redemption, where the fraud is exposed but ultimately leads to personal growth and community reconciliation.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on lighthearted deception, a whimsical and upbeat tone, and the cozy, contained setting of a small town. They blend humor with tender character moments, ensuring the stakes feel personal but never truly dire, resulting in a consistently charming and hopeful viewing experience.

Gentle romantic comedies of errors similar to There’s One Born Every Minute

Upbeat stories where romantic misunderstandings are solved with humor and heart.Fans of the romantic reconciliation in There’s One Born Every Minute will enjoy these films. Discover movies where a humorous central plot creates charming misunderstandings between couples, leading to lighthearted conflict and a ultimately happy resolution, perfect for a feel-good watch.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a primary, non-romantic conflict (e.g., a business venture or a campaign) that directly causes a rift between a romantic pair. The story then interweaves the resolution of the external plot with the characters' journey back to each other. The romantic conflict is driven by miscommunication or pride rather than deep betrayal, making the reconciliation sweet and believable.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific blend: a steady-paced, moderate-complexity plot that serves as the engine for a light romantic subplot. The emotional weight is kept light, the humor score is high, and the ending is unambiguously happy, creating a coherent vibe of charming, low-stakes romantic escapism.

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