hat is it that endears Miss Crabtree as
portrayed by June Marlowe to so many?
as it the funny and witty scripts given to June
and the kids? Of course much of the joy of those films comes
from the situations given and the dialogue spoken by the actors,
but basically June's parts were as the steadying adult influence
in the growing-up world of the Gang. She was, to use a phrase,
the "straight-man."
as it June's great acting ability? Obviously
not. Most critics are quick to pan the acting ability of June with regards to
her sound films.
One the other hand, these very same critics are just as quick to praise her
characterization of the sweet and attractive young school
teacher.
hat if June were an accomplished and well-
polished actress when she appeared as Miss Crabtree? Would we
recall the character with as much fondness as we do today? Probably
not. In fact it was June's
lack of stage training that made Miss Crabtree so
charming, so real, so ... well, so June.
hat is also interesting about watching June as
Miss Crabtree is watching June as Miss Crabtree, as hopefully this
baker's dozen of June Marlowe/June Crabtree captures will show. You will probably see much more
of June Marlowe than you will of June Crabtree. Go ahead. See for yourself.
