Tra due amori

The opening credits give you a cheerful, jazzy rendition of Mozart's "Minuet" from Don Giovanni, so you know you're in for a cutesy, good time in Her Twelve Men, one of Greer Garson's last movies. She plays a new teacher in an all boys' school, the first lady teacher they've ever had. Headmaster Richard Haydn thinks she's just what the school, and the young boys need, but her colleague Robert Ryan thinks she has a lot to learn. He's critical at every turn, but will their antagonism make way for respect and camaraderie? You'll have to watch this charming movie to find out.

Greer is such a pro, and she adds class and grace to all her roles. If this were a June Allyson movie, it would have turned into an annoying screwball comedy. Even Deborah Kerr (who, it can be argued, replaced Greer) probably would have added more drama than was necessary. Greer is just right, and it's a pleasure to see her grow, learn, and care for the boys in her charge.

It's also a great treat to see Robert Ryan in a role he doesn't usually take on. When's the last time he played someone highly educated but too shy to act on his romantic feelings? Never. Greer is a strong woman, and she needs a strong man who can equal her stature and presence. Robert is a great match for her, but will he speak up in time, or will she get swept up off her feet by another strong man, Barry Sullivan (a wealthy, respectful father of one of her students)?

Robert is a seasoned teacher who isn't afraid to tell Greer when she's handling the boys badly. In one scene, a child comes to Greer with a tummy ache, and she tries to fix it with castor oil. Robert tells her it was just a case of homesickness, and the next time it happens, she treats the problem with a hot chocolate instead. There are several lessons to learn, and not just for the boys. If you liked this heartwarming movie, try watching The Emperor's Club, a modern movie about a beloved teacher in an all-boys' school.

GREER GARSON's long career at MGM came to an end in a sentimental tale about a new teacher at an all boys school who triumphs over inexperience and falls in love too. A slim tale for Garson with Robert Ryan and Barry Sullivan hovering in the background as possible suitors, it is strictly formula stuff and worth watching only if you're an ardent fan of Greer Garson. It strives to be no more than a modest programmer.

It's almost quaint to see how "rambunctious" the boys are by today's standards, so mild is their behavior. Richard Haydn as the school's headmaster is effective and the boys are competent enough child actors, but it all has the feeling of having been done before.

As I say in my article on Greer Garson due to appear in FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE: "At a time when she could have used a different kind of role to broaden her appeal, Garson let herself be cast in the sort of vehicle that had an all too familiar ring to it."

Of interest to fans of James Arness, he has a brief role as a physical ed coach at a time when he had not yet emerged as a TV western star.

I grew up in the 50's and like most kids my age was a big fan of the Mickey Mouse Club.In it's first season one of the segments was Spin & Marty.It was a serialized story about two boys at a western summer camp - who even got to ride horses thus becoming the envy of every boy watching. Spin (the All-American boy) was played by Tim Considine,and Marty (the snobby rich kid) by David Stollery.It became a HUGE hit & the sensation of that first season.Both boys appear in Her Twelve Men,and met there.Tim originally tried out for the part of Marty,but was offered Spin instead.Disney still needed a Marty and Tim told them he had recently worked with a boy who would be just right for the role,David Stollery from Her Twelve men!So this film was somewhat responsible for the ideal casting of that well-loved Disney serial.This information was related by Tim & David in the interview feature of the Disney Treasures DVD Box Set that came out a couple years ago.

The way they kept calling her "sir" irked me, and the kids' behavior- as well as that of some adults- was annoying. But, I must admit both Greer and some of the kids managed to tug at my heartstrings several times throughout! Yes, I ugly-cried real tears, and that means that while not super good, it's still a good film. But, if you're anything like me, you'll be saying to yourself all along "Oh, if only life were really that simple!" And even though it's not at all, it's lovely that the 1950s respected such simplicity instead of looking down their noses at it.

Greer Garson portrays a teacher at an all boys school in this familiar vehicle from MGM studios. She must be a teacher to her students and a mother simultaneously. In the process, she attracts three suitors.

I love Garson and I'm a huge fan, however,I will also agree this is not her best film. Its only for those who are big fans of the actress. Also, for those who are die-hard fans of Garson, if you need another reason to see it? She's in color! It was filmed in color and is not one of Turner's colorized films. Garson fans like myself know the majority of her films were done in black and white.

While I agree with the previous post stating this film is a familiar vehicle for Garson, I disagree with him on the statement that Garson could have chosen a better film to appear in. I'm sure the previous poster has not forgotten that when this film was made, Garson was still under contract to MGM and the company had been dealing with a shift in power during this period. The powers that be at the studio would not give the actress parts that were fitting of her abilities and range. As a result, she took films like this to avoid being shunned by the film community and to continue working. She also was trying to avoid being sued by the studio for breach of contract. Eventually, she did grow tired of being stuck in films like this so she did what any graceful woman like herself would do...she waited for her contract to expire by taking films like this. When her contract was up, she left.

For more inside information of Garson, the poster above should read her book, "A Rose for Mrs. Miniver" to get an in depth understanding of this great actress.

Also, on a sad note, this is one of Garson's films that has never gone to video. :(