What Is That Certain Age About?
The premise of That Certain Age in 269 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the polished world of a powerful newspaper empire, a charismatic reporter fresh from the front lines of the Spanish Civil War is summoned to the sprawling Fullerton estate. Invited by his stern yet supportive boss, Mr. Fullerton, the journalist is given a rare respite to pen a series of European pieces before his next assignment in far‑away China. The house, with its manicured lawns and genteel interiors, glows with the confidence of old‑money elegance, while the air buzzes with the quiet anticipation of stories waiting to be told.
Amid the polished surroundings lives Alice Fullerton, the fifteen‑year‑old daughter of the publishing magnate. Bright, spirited, and on the cusp of adulthood, she is simultaneously drawn into the world of the local Boy Scouts—led by her steady boyfriend, Ken Warren—who are planning a charitable showcase to fund their camp adventures. Alice’s involvement with the scouts offers her a taste of responsibility and community, yet the arrival of the experienced reporter awakens a more personal curiosity that begins to flutter just beyond the bounds of teenage propriety.
The film balances lighthearted humor with a gentle, nostalgic look at the turbulence of youth. Vincent Bullit carries the poise of a seasoned writer, his worldly perspective contrasting with the earnest idealism of the estate’s younger inhabitants. As the characters move through rehearsals, hushed conversations, and the occasional playful ruse, a soft undercurrent of yearning and self‑discovery weaves through the narrative. The tone remains warm and witty, inviting the audience to linger over the charming quirks of an upper‑class household where the lines between duty, romance, and youthful ambition blur in delightful, unhurried fashion.
What Happens in That Certain Age?
The complete story of That Certain Age, from the first scene to the last, in 375 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Alice Fullerton is the 15-year-old daughter of the newspaper publisher, Gilbert Fullerton. She becomes involved with a group of Boy Scouts led by Ken Warren, who want to mount a charity show to raise funds for scout camp. Alice is quick to help, granting the boys permission to use the family home to rehearse, and she soon earns a place in the act as the production takes shape.
Meanwhile, the house is offered to reporter Vincent Bullitt, who aims to finish a quiet article in the midst of the bustle. Alice fears the scouts could be kicked out, so she schemes to scare Vincent away. She stages a haunted-house ruse, hoping to deter him, but Vincent sees through the prank and confronts [Alice Fullerton]. She finally tells him the whole truth, and Vincent responds with unexpected sympathy, deciding to leave. Yet Gilbert Fullerton doesn’t want to turn away a chance to work, and he urges Vincent to stay.
Alice’s feelings grow when she learns that Vincent is ill, and she begins to care for him, developing a crush in the process. This attraction stirs jealousy in [Ken Warren], who has his own crush on Alice and tries to push her away by replacing her with singer Mary Lee in the upcoming performances.
As preparations for the party move forward, Alice is determined to give Vincent a meaningful gift. She sells some of her belongings to buy a costly cigarette lighter, and on the night of the party she even borrows a dress from her mother to look older. The mood grows tense as she asks her mother to remove the dress, and Alice withdraws from those around her in a moment of frustration.
In parallel, Ken informs Vincent and the Fullerton parents that Alice is in love with Vincent. Alice’s mother tries to steer her away from the crush, but Alice remains resolute in her feelings. Then comes a turning point at the party when a lie from Alice’s mother suggests that Vincent is married to reporter Grace Bristow. The rumor shatters Alice’s certainty, and she ultimately gives up her romantic hope, stepping aside again. She does, however, get a chance to reclaim the female lead in the show later, when Mary Lee becomes ill.
That Certain Age Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Alice joins the scout group's fundraising plan” to “Mary Lee falls ill and Alice takes over the show”. 12 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Alice joins the scout group's fundraising plan
Alice Fullerton, a 15-year-old daughter of a newspaper publisher, teams up with a group of boy scouts led by Ken Warren who want to stage a fundraising show to attend camp. She lends the family home for rehearsals and quickly becomes involved in arranging the act. Her involvement sets the stage for later conflicts and affections.
When:Early in the story Where:Alice's family home
- 2
Bill offers the house to Vince Bullit to work in peace
Bill Fullerton offers the house to reporter Vince Bullit so he can work in peace. Vince's presence at the home creates tension for the scouts, who worry they might be kicked out if he stays.
When:Daytime Where:Alice's family home
- 3
Alice tries to scare Vincent to protect her friends
Fearing eviction for the scouts, Alice decides to scare Vincent away by making the house seem haunted. She stages a ghostly display to frighten him, hoping to deter him from staying.
When:Evening Where:Family home
- 4
Vincent confronts Alice and she comes clean
Vincent sees through the hoax and confronts Alice about what she is doing. She confesses the truth about the scouts and their plans, and Vincent chooses to sympathize with them and leave, even though Bill would prefer he stayed.
When:Late evening Where:Family home
- 5
Alice cares for Vincent when he falls ill
Alice changes her mind when she discovers Vincent is ill and begins to take care of him. During this time she develops a crush on him as she tends to his needs.
When:Later, after Vincent leaves Where:Alice's home
- 6
Ken's jealousy sparks a replacement plan with Mary Lee
Ken, who also has feelings for Alice, grows jealous and tries to replace her with singer Mary Lee. The power struggle inside the group heightens tensions during rehearsals.
When:During rehearsals Where:Rehearsal space
- 7
Alice schemes a costly gift for Vincent
Alice decides to buy Vincent an expensive gift and sells some of her belongings to fund a cigarette lighter. The gesture signals her mounting attachment and the lengths she will go to win his favor.
When:Before the party Where:Alice's home and local shop
- 8
Night of the party: Alice looks older and withdraws
On the night of the party, she borrows a dress from her mother to look older and, in a tense moment, demands her mother remove it. The act leaves her mood dark and she refuses to talk to anyone.
When:Night of the party Where:Mother's home
- 9
Ken spreads the love rumor to Vincent and the parents
Ken tells Vincent and Alice's parents that she is in love with Vincent. The rumor intensifies social pressure and threatens the delicate balance between family, friends, and the show.
When:During party planning Where:House
- 10
Alice's mother discourages her, but she remains determined
Alice's mother tries to discourage her daughter from pursuing Vincent, but Alice remains determined to marry him. The conflict tests loyalties and challenges her adolescent impulses.
When:Evening Where:Family home
- 11
A lie about Vincent's marriage changes everything
At the height of the tensions, Alice's mother tells a lie claiming Vincent is married to Grace Bristow. The falsehood shatters Alice's romantic dream and pushes her toward a different course.
When:Night Where:Family home
- 12
Mary Lee falls ill and Alice takes over the show
Mary Lee becomes ill, and Alice is allowed to take over the part in the show. This turn of events lets Alice step into the spotlight and signals a new chapter in her involvement with Vincent and the scouts.
When:Show night Where:Show venue
Who Are the Main Characters in That Certain Age?
11 characters, among them Alice Fullerton (Deanna Durbin), Vincent Bullitt and Kenneth Warren (Ken Warren): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- AF
Alice Fullerton (Deanna Durbin)
Played by Deanna Durbin
Alice Fullerton is a bright, curious 15-year-old who uses her family home to help a group of Boy Scouts raise funds. She is helpful and loyal, quickly forming a crush on Vincent Bullitt. Her actions reveal a growing sense of responsibility as she balances family expectations with her own feelings.
- 💖 Young Love
- 🧭 Coming-of-Age
- 🤝 Compassion
-
Vincent Bullitt
Played by Melvyn Douglas
Vincent Bullitt is a visiting journalist who comes to the Fullerton house to finish an article in peace. He is perceptive, kind, and steadfast, not easily drawn into childish games. When he discovers the truth behind the haunting prank, he chooses to leave to protect the family and his own health, showing his integrity.
- 💼 Journalist
- 💖 Romantic Interest
- 🧭 Insightful
- KW
Kenneth Warren (Ken Warren)
Played by Jackie Cooper
Ken Warren is the leader of the Boy Scout troop who wants to stage a show to raise money for camp. He becomes jealous when Alice forms a bond with Vincent and attempts to push her out by replacing her with Mary Lee. His schemes reveal a competitive, impulsive side and test the group’s unity.
- 💔 Jealousy
- 🎭 Showman
- 🧭 Ambitious
- GB
Grace Bristow
Played by Nancy Carroll
Grace Bristow is a newspaper reporter whose presence anchors the story in the world of news and public opinion. She becomes part of the social circle around the Fullertons, illustrating how the press can influence private life. Her role emphasizes the reach of journalism into everyday relationships.
- 🗞️ Reporter
- 💼 Professional
- 🤝 Supportive
- ML
Mary Lee
Played by Peggy Stewart
Mary Lee is a singer who steps in as a performer in the scout show when the primary performer is ill. She is confident and competitive, participating actively in the show and the social dynamics around the theater. Her involvement heightens the rivalry with Alice and adds to the show’s tension.
- 🎤 Performer
- 🎭 Showmanship
- 💃 Entertainer
-
Gilbert Fullerton
Played by John Halliday
Gilbert Fullerton is the newspaper publisher father who supports the Scouts and provides the space for their rehearsal. He embodies practical authority and a protective family man who wants what is best for his daughter. His stance helps keep the household grounded amid the social pressures.
- 🏢 Publisher
- 👨👧 Parent
- MD
Mrs. Dorothy Fullerton
Played by Irene Rich
Mrs. Dorothy Fullerton is Alice's mother, cautious and protective. She tries to steer her daughter away from risky romantic entanglements and even tells a lie to discourage her, highlighting the generational gap and parental concerns in adolescence.
- 👩👧 Mother
- 🤥 Protective
- BW
Butch Warren
Played by Juanita Quigley
Butch Warren is a spirited, pest-like child described as 'The Pest' in the credits. He adds a lively, mischievous energy to the neighborhood scenes and heightens the playful, sometimes annoying rhythm of youth interactions around the show.
- 😒 Pest
- 👦 Child
- B
Billy
Played by Lon McCallister
Billy is a younger companion in the story, part of the child-filled social circle surrounding the Scout activities. His presence helps ground the film in a community of neighborhood kids and adds to the authentic, small-town vibe.
- 🧒 Child
- 👫 Friend
- NM
Newspaper Man
Played by Addison Richards
Newspaper Man is a journalist figure (uncredited in the film) who interacts with the Fullerton family as part of the press world surrounding Alice and Vincent. His presence underscores the film’s connection to journalism and public perception.
- 📰 Reporter
- 🏢 Press
- SJ
Soda Jerk
Played by Matt Mchugh
Soda Jerk is a minor background character played by Matt Mchugh, who colors the setting with everyday life of the era. He represents the bustling social scenes around the show and the community.
- 🍹 Sodas
- 🎬 Background
Where and When Is That Certain Age Set?
That Certain Age is set in Fullerton Family Home. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Fullerton Family Home
Fullerton Family Home serves as the central locale where the Boy Scouts rehearse their show and where the Fullertons’ daily life unfolds. It functions as a warm, safe domestic space that also becomes a stage for neighborhood social dynamics. The house often hosts both the private family moments and the public interactions with visitors and reporters.
- 🏠 Family Home
- 🧭 Domestic Setting
What Are the Themes of That Certain Age?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Coming of Age, Honesty vs Deception and Compassion and Care.
-
01
Coming of Age
Alice is a 15-year-old girl whose feelings and choices mark a transition from childhood into a more mature awareness. Her willingness to help the scouts shows responsibility beyond her years, while her crush on Vincent tests her emotional boundaries. The story uses this romance to explore growing up, autonomy, and the cost of adult attention.
-
02
Honesty vs Deception
Alice's ghostly hoax is a mischievous attempt to protect her friends' interests, not a harmful intent. Vincent sees through the prank and chooses to leave, showing his integrity and concern for their wellbeing. The truth eventually reveals itself, exposing the consequences of deception. The episode prompts the characters to reconsider trust and honesty in their relationships.
-
03
Compassion and Care
When Vincent falls ill, Alice shifts from infatuation to genuine care, offering help and companionship rather than scheming for a pairing. Her care demonstrates maturity and empathy, deepening the bond between them. The act of looking after someone sick reframes their dynamic and reveals a real emotional connection built on trust. The storyline uses compassion to soften social pressures and to humanize the romance.
What Kind of Film Is That Certain Age?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A charming and youthful comedy that follows the innocent misadventures of a teenage girl's first crush, balancing lighthearted humor with the tender awkwardness of growing up.
- youthful
- charming
- innocent
- heartwarming
- bittersweet
- romantic
- coming of age
- puppy love
- parent-child relationships
- jealousy
Quiz
How well do you remember That Certain Age? Test yourself on the story.
