What a Life (film)

What a Life is a 1939 American comedy film directed by Theodore Reed and starring Jackie Cooper, Betty Field, John Howard, Janice Logan, Vaughan Glaser, Lionel Stander, and Hedda Hopper. Written by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder, the film was released on October 6, 1939, by Paramount Pictures.^[1]^[2]

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What a Life
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Theodore Reed
Screenplay by	Charles Brackett Billy Wilder Clifford Goldsmith (play)
Produced by	Theodore Reed
Starring	Jackie Cooper Betty Field John Howard Janice Logan Vaughan Glaser Lionel Stander Hedda Hopper
Cinematography	Victor Milner
Edited by	William Shea
Music by	John Leipold
Production company	Paramount Pictures
Distributed by	Paramount Pictures
Release date	October 6, 1939 (1939-10-06)
Running time	75 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

This is the first in a series of eleven Henry Aldrich films (1939-1944) based on the leading character from the radio series The Aldrich Family

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Set in a charming small-town America, What a Life follows the story of Henry Aldrich (Jackie Cooper), a well-meaning but accident-prone high school student. Henry’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is accused of causing a series of disruptions at school, including vandalism, skipping classes, and instigating a fight. These accusations, though false, threaten his reputation and his relationships with his teachers, classmates, and even his family.

The film opens with Henry attempting to navigate the typical challenges of high school life, including balancing his studies, friendships, and his budding interest in Barbara Pearson (Betty Field), a kind and supportive classmate. However, his carefree demeanor and tendency to be in the wrong place at the wrong time make him an easy target for blame when trouble arises at school.

The central conflict begins when the school principal, J.C. Bradley (Vaughan Glaser), accuses Henry of defacing school property and disrupting a class science experiment. Despite his protests of innocence, Henry finds himself at odds with the school administration, his teachers, and even some of his peers. His father, Mr. Aldrich (Fred Niblo), and mother, Mrs. Aldrich (Hedda Hopper), struggle to reconcile their belief in Henry’s character with the mounting evidence against him.

Determined to clear his name, Henry embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. With Barbara’s encouragement, he begins investigating the incidents, questioning his classmates, and piecing together clues. Along the way, Henry faces a series of comedic and dramatic situations, including a misunderstanding with a janitor, a run-in with a strict teacher, and an awkward encounter at a school dance.

As the story unfolds, Henry’s efforts to prove his innocence lead him to uncover the real culprits behind the disruptions—two mischievous classmates who had been using Henry as a scapegoat. In a climactic scene, Henry confronts the troublemakers in front of the entire school, exposing their actions and vindicating himself.

The film concludes with Henry being exonerated and regaining the trust of his teachers, friends, and family. The principal acknowledges Henry’s integrity, and his classmates rally around him in support. The final moments of the film highlight Henry’s growth as a character, as he learns the value of perseverance, honesty, and standing up for oneself.

What a Life (film)

Plot

Cast

References

External links

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