MovieChat Forums > Old Acquaintance (1943) Discussion > Anyone else have a problem with the fath...

Anyone else have a problem with the father desserting?

posted 16 years ago by Devinm1978
13 replies | jump to latest

Minor opinion quibble...

I know that this film takes place decades before the time when joint custody, child support, and the like all began BUT...does anyone else take issue with the fact that Mr. Drake left his daughter, too when he left Millie? And didn't see her for ten years??? I don't like to judge older movies by contemporary attitudes but for me, I lost interest in the Mr. Drake character when this happened. I know he had to stay away from Millie, for obvious reasons, and from Kit too, because his feelings for her were so strong but I can't understand why he abandoned his child. And their reunion at the nightclub years later was pleasant but I just didn't like it. Oh well, the film is almost 2 hours long so I suppose they couldn't squeeze any more explanations out of it.

[–] Mr_McLaurel 15 years ago

Yeah. I don't know what these situations were really like back in the early 40s, but this just didn't ring true to me. Preston just seemed like a selfish dick to me after he abandoned his daughter. But, in a good melodrama like this, who's to day this isn't an intention of the filmmakers? God knows his wife is a horrible enough person, and she's one of the main characters - maybe they deserved each other.

What's the Spanish for drunken bum?

[–] Piperson 14 years ago

It does seem strange that he would desert her and that she doesn't even remember what he looks like.

This is on the same subject but a different movie. How about the weirdness of Robert Redford never even meeting his daughter by Barbra Streisand in THE WAY WE WERE ? And when they accidentally meet at the end Streisand invites him to visit and he says he can't, we are expected to believe there are some obstacles preventing him from knowing his own daughter. THERE ARE NO SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES in movie life or real life either. Forgive the rant.

[–] abchulett 14 years ago

I wouldn't call this a minor quibble. I'd call it "What planet are these people from?!" Not because of changes in attitudes etc., but because the whole scene was as false as anything I've ever seen. Firstly because she didn't remember him, although she was 8 years old when he left, and secondly because once introduced she just sat down and had a nice chat. Not even an awkward moment? Really?! What planet are these people from?!

Apparently the same planet as Bette Davis's character, who is as saintly as Miriam Hopkins's character is obnoxious. They are both WAY too broadly drawn to be believed. 5/10

[–] charliebuenfil 13 years ago

The one character i totally despise in this movie is Millie's husband. He is such a loser. I can understand that Millie was a pathetic bitch, but at least she worked hard for a living, but the husband just finds the easy way in drinking and then he just departs. Also, while still married to Millie, he starts coming on to her best friend in her own house. What an *beep* To make matters worse, when he leaves for good, he doesnt give a damn about his daughter. It's one thing to get away from a spouse, but please, at least try to stay close to your child. I dont know if it was written this way or if the character was played like that by Mr. Loder, but I think that he played it as a self-pitying alcoholic coward without a sense of morals. I am glad he left the house. Millie certainly didnt need this lazy idiot. I am sorry, but I just cant feel pity for him.

The Male Ego is Elephantine to Begin With

[–] MarleyMilk 12 years ago

lol Strong words, but I agree with everything you say, he is a despicable man. Whatever Millie's faults, she's better of without him, and so is Kit.

[–] booda 12 years ago

Yes, I had troubles with the father desserting. All those desserts...cakes, pies, even baked alaska! What a hog!

[–] Beaubelle 10 years ago

But, booda, when you've lost your child, your only solace to be found is at the bakery: ah, Boston cream pie!

[–] MarleyMilk 12 years ago

I had a problem with it and his whole character. At first I gave his lust for Kit the benefit of doubt for the story, but his jealousy of Millie's career was pathetic, and then he disappeared! Abandoning his child, yet he's supposed to be a catch!

[–] Itsamoomoo 12 years ago

Yes, I agree. For the type of character John Loder was playing it didn't seem fitting that he would just up and leave his daughter. But that's screenwriting for you. Sometimes you have to take it for what it is and just enjoy the performances.

[–] zevan 11 years ago

The daughter would have recognized him that's for sure. It had been 10 years & he wouldn't have changed that much. I can see him not recognizing her because he evidently forgot all about even having a daughter. He made himself look bad to have deserted his own daughter. The daughter should have thrown a fit & it would have made the scene much more believable.

[–] kenny-164 10 years ago

I tend to disagree with the common view in this thread, too. Heh.

While Preston Drake is far from an admirable character, it is simply too much to call him despicable. I am not aware that he could have legally obtained joint custody. Staying with Millie was not realistic or acceptable, and in fact he arguably should have left her long before he did. He also knew that Millie would have more than enough money to support Deidre, and he apparently did not seek any alimony from Millie. He also knew that as a practical matter Kit would be there for Deidre. Preston quite simply felt he had to remove himself entirely from the relationships.

I do think, though, that the film would have been better served showing or addressing what should have been his thoughts and feelings on leaving behind his daughter.

[–] 10 years ago

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