Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick

Plot

A dreamy farm widow, played by Shore, is obsessed with moving to the city. She is courted by shy-bumpkin neighbor (Young). She is almost tricked out of her oil-rich land by crooks (Merrill and Jergens) who alone knows about the oil.

Cast

The film stars Alan Young, Dinah Shore and Robert Merrill. Supporting are Adele Jergens, Minerva Urecal, Martha Stewart (not to be confused with Martha Stewart, television host and home-decorating mogul), and Veda Ann Borg. Alan Young had previously appeared in only three films–in the 1940s and all supporting roles. Dinah Shore had only acted eight years previously, in Up in Arms (1944) and Belle of the Yukon (1944), and this was her last major film role. The film also marked the debut of opera star Robert Merrill.

Reception

Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick had an unfortunate release. Produced in Technicolor as an A production, its boxoffice failed in its initial playdates. The film thereafter opened as a B movie.

Bosley Crowther of the New York Times wrote in his April 19, 1952 review: "Claude Binyon, who wrote and directed, must have done so in a stultifying trance; not a trace of his well-known wit or drollery is evident in this film. And the songs, which are woodenly delivered by Miss Shore, Mr. Young and Robert Merrill, who plays the city rascal, are hard to remember as far as the door."

English film historian and critic Leslie Halliwell considered Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick to be: " Homespun entertainment based on a staple success of the American provincial theatre, with pleasant songs added."

Soundtrack

The song "Marshmallow Moon" was a hit before the film was released.