This film is a late classic film era gem even though it's a light comedy. Loretta Young glows in Academy Award nominated costumes by Kay Nelson, filmed in superb Technicolor thanks to Natalie Kalmus, as the mother of a college-age daughter played by Betty Lynn who needs money to continue her college courses. Mother comes to the rescue by taking advantage of a $3,000 endowment left by her grandmother, Abigail Fortitude, at Pointer College in Jefferson, CT. Both mother and daughter are soon enamored with English Literature Professor Richard Michaels, played by Van Johnson. The storyline is light, but the film captures 1949 college atmosphere and mores delightfully. Ah, the innocent days of college life! The story is a heart-warming blend of mother love, first love angst, and romantic twists and turns among two generations of women in the same family. It's not high drama but If innocence and modesty rate with you, you'll love it. Loretta Young plays the mother of a college student with wisdom and aplomb, making this film one of her "must-see's" for her fans of all ages. 1949, the year this film was released, was also the year that I was born, so it's also a delightful post-war film which baby-boomers will appreciate. The DVD release is gorgeous! So settle back with some popcorn and enjoy!

It's funny how times have changed. Back in 1949, people didn't think twice about the idea of a college professor dating one of their students--whereas nowadays that would get a professor fired at most colleges. So, when you see the film understand that times have indeed changed.A mother (Loretta Young) and daughter (Betty Lynn--that's 'Thelma Lou' from "The Andy Griffith Show") have been living beyond their means on the late husband's trust fund. They now find themselves broke and in need of money. In a desperate move to get funds needed to keep the daughter in college, the mother decides to accept a scholarship--a scholarship that provides enough for both of them until they get their next trust fund check. At first, Young feels pretty awkward on campus but soon she settles into things. But, when the English professor who Lynn is infatuated with (Van Johnson) begins to show a lot of interest in Young, things are a bit awkward to say the least! See how all this plays out in this nice little comedy.My feeling about this film is that it's a very slight movie--nothing that will change the world or make you go out of your way to see it. However, like a nice old hat or pair of gloves, it's a nice fit--and very comfortable. The actors are all very good, the film moves along at a nice pace and it's just a lot of fun. They don't make films like this anymore---and that's a shame.

"Mother Is A Freshman" is a slice of college life from a bygone era. The school itself looks like the kind of traditional schools that were around for generations. The cute story finds Mama going to school under a scholarship that only she can share with her daughter. Loretta Young was never more appealing than in this genteel comedy. Van Johnson plays the Professor that that both Mama and daughter (Betty Lynn) are unknowingly competing for. Rudy Vallee is along for the ride as a stuffy friend of Loretta's. The whole production is underscored by some nice, nostalgic music and wrapped up in pretty Technicolor. You could do a lot worse than to see this charming comedy.

"Mother is a Freshman" is a delightful comedy, a vehicle, no doubt, for its star, Loretta Young. As directed by LLoyd Bacon, "Mother is a Freshman" offers the kind of genteel entertainment that was harmless. The film, directed by LLoyd Bacon, offers a trip back to a more relaxed time.Abigail Fortitude Abbott, is a widow living in Manhattan's Upper East Side. She seems to live in splendor, even though her funds are next to nothing. Her daughter Susan is going back to college in Connecticutt and both women must find out a way how to survive until the next payment to their inherited funds. They discover that Abigail's grandmother had a scholarship named after her for qualifying young women. What's the harm in trying? Next thing you know Abigail and Susan are on campus together.Abigail wants to major in English Literature, so she must enroll in Prof. Richard Michaels' course. Prof. Michaels falls head over heels in love with the attractive new student. Little does Abigail know, but Susan, is crazy for Michaels as well. After some tension between the two women, common sense prevails and Abigail ends up with the professor and money in the bank.Loretta Young had a magnetic personality and dominates the story. She was not a beautiful woman, but she photographed well and is always an asset in whatever she decided to appear in. Van Johnson is wonderful as Prof. Michaels. Rudy Vallee has some good moments as Abigail's lawyer. Betty Lynn plays Susan and Robert Arthur is Beaumont Jackson, the young man in love with Susan.The film is an excuse to spend 81 minutes in good company.