Julia Misbehaves 1948

In 1936 London, the mature showgirl Julia Packett Greer Garson leads a precarious life. She pretends to be contemplating suicide to squeeze a bit of money from a male friend, just enough to pay her mounting bills, and then she receives a wedding invitation from her daughter Susan Packett Elizabeth Taylor. As a young woman, Julia had married the wealthy William Packett Walter Pidgeon, but after 14 months of marriage his disapproving mother broke them up. Julia returns to show business, yet she leaves her infant daughter with William so the child could grow up in a safer environment.

On a voyage to France, Julia meets and falls for the muscular acrobat Fred Ghenoccio Cesar Romero, and in Paris she shines while performing with his troupe. Later, Fred proposes to her as her train pulls away from the station, sealing a new chapter of desire and risk. Julia finally reaches her destination penniless, and, true to her familiar methods, convinces a stranger, Colonel Willowbrook Nigel Bruce, to lend her money. Yet she slips away before Willowbrook can get too close.

Back home, her mother-in-law remains displeased to see her, but Julia persuades Susan to let her stay. Over time, William’s love for Julia resurfaces, stirring old emotions and complicating loyalties. Julia notices that Susan harbors strong feelings for the lovestruck painter Ritchie Lorgan Peter Lawford, though Ritchie is not Susan’s fiancé. Despite Susan’s protests, Julia sees the truth: Susan is drawn to Ritchie, and she helps bring them together.

Throughout the evolving drama, Julia stays wary of William’s renewed affections while Fred reappears, intent on claiming her. When William runs into his old friend Willowbrook, he learns of Julia’s affair with Fred and asks Willowbrook to pretend not to know him, even to interrupt their breakfast. The revelation of Julia’s questionable method of raising funds threatens to derail everything, and Fred is finally sent packing.

In the end, Susan follows Julia’s advice and elopes with Ritchie. William chases after them, followed by Julia, only to discover they have been led to the wrong place. Acting on Susan’s instructions, the servants drive away their cars, stranding the trio for 48 hours in a remote honeymoon cabin. A heavy rainstorm pounds the landscape as Julia attempts to walk away, slipping into the mud. William comes to her rescue, ending up sprawled in the mud himself, and the sight leaves them laughing at their absurd, shared predicament.