This movie has a quality that makes it special. It shows what happens when a person can change people’s lives. There are many films that have this central storyline, but this is different.
The Carlton family led by Sahib, (Roland Young), and Marmy, (Billy Burke), have been kicked out of Monte Carlo, because the authorities have found out, that they are con artists. They’ve been given one way tickets back to England. When they arrive, they take a train to their destination. It is while traveling, that George-Anne Carlton, (Janet Gaynor) who stands out in this film, meets Miss Fortune, (Minnie Dupree), a very charming elderly lady. She invites the family to have tea with her. Afterward, there is a terrible accident when the train derails, and Miss Fortune, is badly shaken. She is helped by George-Anne, until medical help arrives. After she is taken care of, she invites the Carltons to stay with her. They accept her offer.
The residence of Miss Fortune is a mansion. This delights the Carlton family, because now they have someone to fleece. After the family is staying for a few weeks, they come up with a plan. They will convince their benefactor, to change her will; making them the sole beneficiaries. The Carltons, in their minds, have come up with the perfect plan. The only thing is, that until, Miss Fortune dies, they have no money. Sahib and Richard Carlton, his son (Douglas Fairbank Jr.) are forced to find honest work. Sahib becomes a car salesman, selling the Wombat, a sports car, and Richard begins employment as an engineer. A funny thing happens to the Carlton men, after some time in the working world. They begin to change and realize that making an honest dollar is a good thing. Sahib does so well selling cars, that he is promoted to regional sales manager. Richard Carlton not only does well in his job, but falls in love with his boss, Leslie Saunders, (Paulette Goddard).
Another interesting thing happens on the home front. George-Anne Carlton is charmed by Miss Fortune’s personality and kind soul. She has also fallen in love with her suitor, Duncan Macrae, (Richard Carlson). Her mother, can’t understand why her daughter isn’t out trying to con a rich young man, out of his money. Marmy seems to be the only member of the family, who wants to pursue the con game.
One day it is suggested that everyone go out on the town. They do and have a great time. Miss Fortune has done a little too much celebrating, and collapses. She is taken to bed, and having been charmed by Miss Fortune, the family is devastated. Miss Fortune’s attorney, not knowing the family is headed on the right track, lectures them. He tells them her will was changed, and they get the house, but she is going to lose it. Sahib Carlton pledges to the lawyer, that they will get Miss fortune a house, when she recovers. The doctor talks to the family, and lets them know, their benefactor will be fine, when she recovers. The next scene shows Miss Fortune fully recovered, and driving The Wombat, at high speed, with her terrified butler, Andrew, (Tom Ricketts), as a passenger. She has driven to her destination, a small cottage, where The Carlton family and Miss Fortune now live. The final scene shows Miss Fortune’s dog, given to her by Richard Carlton, now leading his puppies.
Young in Heart differs from many comedies of the era. In the days of The Great Depression, many comedies poked fun at the rich. This one shows a wealthy person, giving their heart and their home to a family in need. The true message of this film is redemption, which Young in Heart, has masterfully conveyed.