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Release dateMarch 25, 1948 WriterAnne Morrison Chapin, Whitfield Cook, Aben Kandel (additional dialogue), Nanette Kutner (adaptation), Miklos Laszlo (story) Music directorGeorgie Stoll, Albert Sendrey, Lothar Perl ScreenplayWhitfield Cook, Aben Kandel, Anne Morrison Chapin, Nanette Kutner CastMargaret O'Brien (Midge), Robert Preston (Rev. Philip Y. Andrews), George Murphy (Patrick O'Donnell), Danny Thomas (Cantor David Irwin Feldman), Edward Arnold (Judge Martin O. Abercrombie), Karin Booth (Florence Bartlett) Similar moviesMargaret OBrien appears in Big City and The Unfinished Dance
An abandoned infant is discovered in New York City by a cantor, David Feldman, and a minister, Rev. Phillip Andrews, who consult police officer Pat O'Donnell about what to do. Taking in the baby girl and naming her Midge, the three unmarried men seek legal custody in the courtroom of Judge Martin O. Abercrombie, who is agreeable on one condition -- the first man to marry will become sole legal guardian of the girl.
At school after she's a few years older, Midge is teased by others for her unusual family situation. Even her teacher, Florence Barrett, does not approve of a child being raised without a mother. To alleviate her concerns, the men invite Florence to an evening at their home, where even Midge becomes happier about the way she is being brought up.
David falls in love with Florence and hopes to propose marriage. Pat, who has been seeing the extroverted singer "Shoo Shoo" Grady, elopes with her. The two clergymen are unsure that Shoo Shoo would be a proper parent for their child. It is left up to the judge, who gives careful consideration to everyone's concerns, then solves the problem by withdrawing his condition about marriage, permitting all three men to share fatherly responsibilities to Midge equally.
Cast
George Murphy as Pat O'Donnell
Robert Preston as Rev. Andrews
Danny Thomas as Cantor Feldman
Margaret O'Brien as Midge
Betty Garrett as Shoo Shoo
Karin Booth as Florence Bartlett
Edward Arnold as Judge Abercrombie
Reception
According to MGM records the movie was not a hit, earning $910,000 in the US and Canada and $489,000 elsewhere, making a loss to the studio of $850,000.