Screenwriter Mark Christopher gets a Christmas present that isn’t on his Santa list: a 17-year-old delinquent named Susan, deposited in his bachelor pad by a cop pal who doesn’t want to see the kid spend Christmas behind bars. Touched by Susan’s plight, Mark decides there’s only one way to keep her out of juvie: marry her in name only and get an annulment when she comes of age. But after a Vegas elopement, Susan isn’t so sure she wants to be the ex-Mrs. Christopher. Dick Powell (in his last film role before devoting himself to a hugely successful TV career) and Debbie Reynolds play the (maybe) mismatched couple in a big-hearted romantic comedy from animator-turned-director Frank Tashlin that makes merry use of its Yuletide setting.

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[youtube https://youtu.be/_oNSi9QIWEE?si=kuhi2v0c2PpsYsX6&t=1563]

Video Quality

Warner Archive provided Susan Slept Here with a terrific 1080p master transfer in 1.66:1 when it was released in 2016 sourced from a new scan of the Technicolor negative. Even earlier on in their HD output, Warner Archive always delivered when dealing with Technicolor elements. The film displays some vibrant colors within the costumes and 50s production design that leap off the screen. This is perhaps most forefront in the dream sequence with its host of resplendent hues, but the holiday setting allows the film to shine throughout.

Highlights stay firm during the exhibition and black levels are deep and stable. The film is practically pristine with no exceptional instances of damage or dirt detected here. Compression artifacts, banding and other such issues do not pop up as an issue in this transfer. From the opening moments, you are treated to great detail and clarity. This can be attributed in part to the preservation of the natural film grain which enhances the picture. Warner Archive can always be counted on to deliver something great for fans of classic cinema.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio split mono track that is quite robust and free of damage. Music is one of the standout elements of this feature, and the tunes hold up with great fidelity even in the upper registers. Dialogue and background noises remain in harmony along with the spritely score from Leigh Harline. Dialogue comes through clearly with no elements overwhelming the zippy exchanges. The more frenzied moments are handled well and give the track a bit of excitement. There is no notable age related wear and tear to the track such as hissing, drop outs or popping. Warner Archive has provided a disc that holds up very well. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles included for the feature film.

Special Features

Trailer: A two-and-a-half minute trailer is provided here.

Final Thoughts

Susan Slept Here is a film very much of its time, but there is no denying that there is enough charm radiating off the performers to somewhat save this problematic material. There is a version of this movie which could have been genuinely heartwarming, but Hollywood typically feels more comfortable showing romantic love on screen. The captivating Debbie Reynolds keeps you laughing enough to occasionally forget how creepy the inherent premise is, and if you don’t let yourself get too weighed down by the realities of the situation, you should have a fun screwball time. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray that sports a great A/V presentation but practically nothing in the way of special features. If you are a fan of any of the cast members or just want a pretty amusing comedy, this one is worth checking out. Recommended

Susan Slept Here can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or through various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.