What Is Old Acquaintance About?
The premise of Old Acquaintance in 352 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the genteel quiet of a 1920s Midwestern town, Kit Marlowe returns from the bustling world of stage and radio to visit her childhood companion, Millie Drake. Both women have been bound by a shared love of words since they were girls, and their reunion is framed by the promise of a new manuscript that could launch Millie’s literary career. The town itself feels like a living anthology, its streets echoing with the rhythm of past conversations and the lingering scent of freshly printed pages, setting a tone of wistful nostalgia tempered by the excitement of fresh possibilities.
As the years unfold, Millie’s talent blossoms into a string of best‑selling romances that quickly elevate her to fame. Success brings confidence, but also a subtle shift in the balance of their friendship, as ambition and public praise begin to color their interactions. Meanwhile, Preston Drake, Millie’s husband and a steady presence in their circle, watches the evolving dynamic with his own mix of admiration and apprehension. The trio navigates the delicate intersections of professional rivalry, personal desire, and the expectations placed upon them by a society still defining women’s roles in love and literature.
The outbreak of World War II adds a new layer of complexity, pulling the characters into a broader, more urgent world. Kit finds herself on the airwaves, her voice traveling beyond the hometown borders, while a younger suitor, Rudd Kendall, arrives with the vigor of a new generation. At the same time, Deirdre Drake, Preston’s teenage daughter, steps into the adult sphere, bringing fresh perspectives that challenge the older generation’s assumptions. The intergenerational mingling of hopes, dreams, and unspoken longing creates a subtle tension that hovers over every conversation.
Against this rich tapestry of literary ambition, evolving relationships, and the march of time, the story explores what it means to be both a confidante and a competitor. The chemistry between the two women—rooted in shared history yet strained by success—offers a poignant look at the ways love, friendship, and the pursuit of art can both bind and separate us, hinting at the delicate balance that defines an old acquaintance.
What Happens in Old Acquaintance?
The complete story of Old Acquaintance, from the first scene to the last, in 314 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Old Acquaintance Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Kit returns home with Millie's news” to “Old Acquaintance: the suggested title”. 8 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Kit returns home with Millie's news
In 1924, Kit Marlowe returns to her hometown to speak and visit her childhood friend Millie Drake. Millie is married to Preston Drake, pregnant, and has written a romance novel. She asks Kit to present the manuscript to her publisher, hoping for a breakthrough that could change both their lives.
When:1924 Where:Hometown
- 2
Eight years later: Millie's success and the strain on romance
Eight years pass and Millie Drake becomes a bestselling author with a string of romance novels. Her success makes her arrogant and strains her marriage to Preston. In a private moment, Preston confesses love for Kit and they share a goodbye kiss, but Kit cannot reciprocate; they part with unresolved feelings.
When:1932
- 3
WWII era: Preston hears Kit on the radio
World War II is underway and Kit is featured on a radio show. Preston Drake, now a major in the Army, hears her broadcast and calls the radio station to suggest they meet for a drink. The past stirs as old emotions reappear in the present.
When:1942 Where:Radio studio
- 4
The reunion: Kit, Preston, Rudd and Deirdre convene
They meet for a drink in town; Preston announces that he is engaged. Kit is accompanied by her younger fiancé, Rudd Kendall, and Preston's almost 18-year-old daughter Deirdre joins the table. The group negotiates old loyalties as new relationships complicate the dynamic.
When:1942 Where:Town bar
- 5
Morning aftermath: Rudd's proposal and rejection
The next morning, Rudd presses Kit to marry him, and she gently refuses. The moment tests the boundaries of her commitments and signals deeper shifts in everyone's feelings. Preston's engagement remains a social banner over the reunion.
When:1942
- 6
Millie seeks reconciliation and custody plans
Millie treats Preston's return as a victory and begins to plan a reconciliation with him. She also hints at joint custody of Deirdre, highlighting the evolving stakes of their tangled friendship. The family drama deepens as loyalties clash.
When:1942 Where:Drakes' home
- 7
Preston reveals his past love for Kit
Preston discloses to Millie that he was once in love with Kit. Millie throws him out and resolves to protect her family, while secretly trying to distance Deirdre from Kit. The revelation deepens the strain between the two women and unsettles the circle.
When:1942 Where:Drakes' home
- 8
Kit's resolve tested: marriage plan meets truth
Kit, having decided to marry Rudd Kendall, learns from him that he is now in love with Deirdre. The development forces Kit to reassess her path and the consequences for everyone involved. The love triangle becomes a test of honesty and tolerance.
When:1942
- 9
Kit locates Deirdre and introduces her to Rudd
Kit tracks down Deirdre and brings her to Rudd, aligning their feelings with the new reality. Her act helps clarify loyalties and provides a route to allow the couples to move forward. The intervention shifts the dynamics of the romantic entanglements.
When:1942
- 10
Reconciliation at home
Kit returns home to find Millie, and the two women begin to reconcile their long-frayed friendship. They reflect on their trials and reaffirm the strength of their bond, despite past hurts. The domestic harmony offers a quiet counterpoint to earlier turmoil.
When:1942 Where:Hometown
- 11
Millie's book and its theme
Millie shares news of her new book about the trials of two women friends, and Kit suggests a fitting title. The collaboration underscores how their experiences have shaped a work meant to endure. The conversation cements the meta connection between life and art.
When:1942 Where:Hometown
- 12
Old Acquaintance: the suggested title
Kit formally suggests that Millie title the book Old Acquaintance, giving their enduring bond a name that fits both their history and their evolving relationship. The suggestion caps their arc with reconciliation and mutual respect. The title also foreshadows the film's closing sentiment.
When:1942 Where:Hometown
Who Are the Main Characters in Old Acquaintance?
5 characters, among them Kit Marlowe – Bette Davis, Millie Drake – Miriam Hopkins and Preston Drake – John Loder: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Kit Marlowe – Bette Davis
Played by Bette Davis
Kit is an intelligent, loyal, and introspective author who returns to her hometown and rekindles old ties. She navigates a complicated triangle of friendship and romance, choosing integrity over immediate passion. Her resilience and moral restraint anchor the story as she confronts shifting loyalties and future possibilities.
- 🎭 Complex
- 🕊️ Loyal
- ✍️ Author
- MD
Millie Drake – Miriam Hopkins
Played by Miriam Hopkins
Millie is a respected romance novelist whose success feeds a growing arrogance. Her confidence strains her marriage to Preston and challenges her friendship with Kit. Over time she confronts the costs of fame and ultimately seeks reconciliation through shared experiences with Kit.
- 🎭 Ambitious
- 💔 Jealous
- 📚 Author
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Preston Drake – John Loder
Played by John Loder
Preston is a former lover of Kit and Millie's husband, who returns from service to confront his past and his commitments. His behavior blends vulnerability with decisive actions as he negotiates custody and engagement, revealing a man torn between duty and desire.
- 🪖 Military
- 💘 Romantic
- 🧭 Loyal
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Rudd Kendall – Gig Young
Played by Gig Young
Rudd is Kit's younger suitor, eager to marry but ultimately learns he cannot claim Kit. He is impulsive and romantic, representing the next generation's hunger for love and status, while contributing to the emotional complexity of the shifting relationships.
- 💘 Romantic
- 🎯 Ambitious
- 🧑💼 Youthful
- DD
Deirdre Drake – Dolores Moran
Played by Dolores Moran
Deirdre is Preston's nearly adult daughter who becomes entangled with Rudd. Her presence adds a layer of intergenerational tension and clarifies the consequences of the adults' choices on the younger generation.
- 👧 Youth
- 💡 Curious
- 💖 Romance
Where and When Is Old Acquaintance Set?
Old Acquaintance is set in Kit Marlowe's hometown, Radio studio and Publisher's office (1924–1940s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1924–1940s
The narrative spans from 1924, moves through the interwar years, and extends into the World War II era. It follows the Jazz Age beginnings, a period of rising fame and shifting loyalties, and culminates in the wartime atmosphere of broadcasts and complex romantic entanglements. The timeline foregrounds how time reshapes friendships and marriages.
Where
Kit Marlowe's hometown, Radio studio, Publisher's office
The story is anchored in Kit Marlowe's hometown, a close-knit setting where personal history drives the drama. It moves between intimate homecomings and public spaces like a radio studio and a publishing office, illustrating the collision of private loyalties with public success. The town’s social circles amplify tensions as Millie, Kit, and Preston navigate fame, relationships, and reconciliation.
- 🏡 Small-Town
- 🎭 Drama
- 🗞️ Media & Publishing
What Are the Themes of Old Acquaintance?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Love & Rivalry and Fame & Identity.
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01
Friendship
Two lifelong friends, Kit and Millie, endure success, jealousy, and misunderstandings. Their bond is tested by rivalries and evolving ambitions, yet a shared history keeps returning them to one another. The film centers on how deep connections withstand strain, only to require forgiveness and renewed trust.
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02
Love & Rivalry
Romantic entanglements drive much of the conflict: Kit's past with Preston, Millie's possessive stance, and Rudd's pursuit of Kit. Jealousy and competing desires spark confrontations that reveal character flaws and resilience. The narrative explores how love can be both a unifying force and a source of pain.
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03
Fame & Identity
Public success reshapes personal identities, especially for Millie as a celebrated author and for Kit as a steadfast confidant. The pursuit of recognition tests loyalties and redefines what it means to be an 'old acquaintance.' The conclusion reframes success as something earned through honest relationships rather than appearances.
What Kind of Film Is Old Acquaintance?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A steady and reflective drama that explores the bittersweet complexities of a lifelong friendship, marked by romantic entanglements, professional rivalry, and quiet sacrifices across several decades.
- melancholic
- nostalgic
- reflective
- romantic
- dramatic
- regretful
- female friendship
- unrequited love
- literary rivalry
- marital strife
Content notes: alcohol abuse.
Quiz
How well do you remember Old Acquaintance? Test yourself on the story.
