MARGIE

 Virtually plotless, Henry King's masterpiece "Margie" is just a series of reminiscences by the title character, (beautifully played by Jeanne Crain), looking back on her high-school years in the 1920's when she, and every other girl in the school, had a crush on their handsome French teacher, (Glenn Langan). Nothing much happens; this is a character-driven piece in which each of the characters have their own bits of business to contend with, (like losing your bloomers in public over and over again), while negotiating the ups and downs of young love. All the performances are first-rate, Charles G. Clarke's Technicolor photography is splendid and, for once, King never puts a foot wrong. This is his lightest and certainly his most charming picture. It's also very funny in a very sweet-natured way and why it isn't better known is something of a mystery.