The Major and the Minor

After a disappointing year in New York, 25-year-old Susan decides to return to her hometown in Iowa. At the train station, she discovers that her savings aren’t enough for the trip, so she disguises herself as a 12-year-old to get a discount. The ruse sets the stage for countless comic situations, crafted by Wilder and screenwriter Charles Brackett. When the train conductors catch on, Susan is forced to hide in the cabin of Major Philip, a military college instructor. During a nighttime thunderstorm, he comforts her, tells stories, and sparks unexpected romance. As Susan’s true identity is revealed, the Major’s fiancée and father board the train, complicating matters further. With a witty, lively script, fast-paced direction, and convincing performances—set against the rumble of World War II artillery—The Major and the Minor became both an artistic and box-office triumph.