Old Acquaintance 1943

In 1924, Kit Marlowe returns to her hometown to speak and to visit her childhood friend Millie Drake. Millie, now married to Preston Drake and pregnant, has written a romance novel and asks Kit to present her book to her publisher.

Eight years pass, and Millie has become a very successful writer of romance, piling up a string of bestsellers. This rapid success makes her arrogant and condescending, and the Drakes’ marriage begins to crumble. In an interview, Preston reveals that he feels secondary to Millie’s triumph. In a private moment between Preston Drake and Kit, he confesses his love for her. Kit tells him she cannot reciprocate, as she cannot do that to Millie. They share a quiet kiss goodbye and part ways.

Ten years go by, and World War II is underway. Kit appears on a radio show, and Preston—now a major in the Army—hears her. He calls the station and suggests they meet for a drink. They do, and Kit is accompanied by her much younger beau, Rudd Kendall, while Preston’s nearly 18-year-old daughter, Deirdre Drake, who he hasn’t seen in years, joins them. The next morning, Rudd presses Kit to marry him, but she defers. Rudd, feeling rejected, then meets with Deirdre.

Millie greets Preston’s return as a victory and sets the stage for reconciliation. Preston reveals he is engaged and asks for joint custody of Deirdre. He also discloses to Millie that he was once in love with Kit. Millie rejects him and does her best to turn Deirdre against Kit.

Kit, having decided to marry Rudd, learns from him that he is now in love with Deirdre. She tracks down Deirdre and brings her to Rudd. When she returns home, she finds Millie; the two women reconcile. Millie shares news of a new book, about the trials of two women friends, and Kit suggests the title Old Acquaintance.