Mr. Scoutmaster

This is an excellent family film which portrays the universal principles of boys growing up, especially a boy without a Father, who look to adults in the Boy Scouts of America, the Church, the schools and other community organizations to grow up. Clifton Webb plays the part of a arrogant TV star who concluded failing ratings in his show are the result of no meaning to younger generations. Edmund Gwenn has the part of the Minister in the Church who recruits Clifton Webb to be the Scoutmaster, and a young Fatherless Cub Scout who craves his attention and becomes a shadow. At the end of World War II and the Korean War, and in that era which this film was produced in 1953,there were many young boys who lost a Father like this young Cub Scout. Today, after military activities overseas, especially in the Middle East, there are numerous youth who have parent they have lost or may be disabled. This movie is a comedy, but has many hidden meaningful lessons for today. I was a Cub Scout in 1953, the needs of the young and the adult never change in this walk down memorylane. This is a movie definitely worth a place in a family library.

Watch this when I was younger and still enjoy watching at my age

"Mr. Scoutmaster" was made in 1953 and is what I refer to as a user friendlymovie - simple, charming, not offensive and suitable viewing for all thefamily. By today's standards, some would say that it is past its 'use by date'but little movie gems like this never die. They remain forever in your mind,far longer than to-day's rubbish.The movie features Clifton Webb, who I believe was the most improbable ofmovie stars that one could imagine because of his rather eccentric andunpleasant nature. Webb used a sharp tongue and waspish manner to dealwith his antagonists but in movies he was the master of subtle humour.Odd though it might seem, he was a capable actor who impressed many peoplewith his acting ability both in serious and comedy roles. "Mr. Scoutmaster"also stars that fine character actor Edmund Gwenn and that cute child actorfrom yesteryear George Winslow who was a perfect match for Clifton Webb withhis serious and rather expressionless features."Mr. Scoutmaster" is a story about a snobby TV star who is concerned by the factthat he is out of touch with the younger generation and that is the reason whyhis TV show is failing, so he decides to become a Boy Scout Leader in an effort toget in touch.Mike Marshall (George Winslow) is a Cub Scout who conceals a personal secret.He always turns up at Scout Troop meetings, activities and camps where Cub Scoutsshould not be present and nobody is aware of the reason. The reason however isthat Mike is a neglected child and he is ashamed of his home which is in a derelictpart of the city and he wants nobody to know. He attends Scout Troop meetingsfor companionship which is something that he never gets at home.The story is full of many LITTLE challenges and I am talking from experience, havingbeen a Cub Scout Leader myself for 27 years. This movie may not be 'funny ha ha'but it has many amusing and touching scenes.Good, respectable entertainment.

This movie has many good things in its coffers. I grew up in the house where Troop #11 gathered back in the 70’s. My uncle, a war veteran, was the Scoutmaster. The values of God and Country were sacred. I joined that same Troop in the 80’s. Everything about scouting had a good purpose behind it, and it served as the context upon which the youth learned how to interact with one another. But this movie offers much, much more than scouting, it is fun, and it is serious. I think that this film captures the essence of what motivates a man to serve as a Scoutmaster. Great, great movie.

Perfect movie for all ages

I love this movie. I identify with the little boy.

Absolutely adorable 🥰 movie 🎥! If you like oldies this is a must have. Clifton Webb is hysterical and brilliant at the same time.

Pros:-Clifton Webb (character actor yet broad enough for many parts...how does that work)-Good moral messages-First portrayal of autism on film?Cons:-A little far fetched-predictable-he is 20 years older than his wife (Hollywood has almost always done this and still does it, will it ever change?)Overall, I love movies I can watch and not have to be worried about language, sexuality, and immoral/amoral messages. It is sappy....I love sappy movies. If you like crank old men who find a heart you will live this movie.

A good presentation of scouting life and its contribution to youth. Clifton Webb , as usual, is most entertaining and funny.

Clifton Webb is always worth watching though I felt this light-hearted comedy lacked...something. It could have been much more. However, that's not to say give it a miss. Ideal for a rainy afternoon when there's nothing on the box, or you just fancy some cosy light-hearted comedy.