Annie Was a Wonder

1949

11m

IMDb RATING

4.4/10

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In this John Nesbitt's Passing Parade series short, narrator John Nesbitt tells the story of Scandinavian immigrant Annie Swenson, who worked as cook and housekeeper in his family's home while he was growing up.

Directors

Edward L. Cahn

Writers

John Nesbitt(writer by)

Stars

John Nesbitt

Kathleen Freeman

Howard Negley

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Top cast

Narrator (voice)

Annie Swenson

Mr. Nesbitt

Mrs. Nesbitt

Gus

Younger Son (uncredited)

Directors

Edward L. Cahn

Writers

John Nesbitt(writer by)

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Featured review

7/10

I quite enjoyed this jolly depiction of the narrator’s young life with Swedish housekeeper Annie (Kathleen Freeman). Right from day one, she isn’t about to be played pranks upon by the brothers, but by joining in their hosepipe game risks a swift termination of her fortnight’s trial. Luckily, she came top of the class at her cookery school and anyone who has ever tasted Swedish cuisine will know that when it is done well it is certainly not one for the calorie counter. Studying for her citizenship qualification and befriending the local delivery man she spends the next few years gradually becoming an integral part of a family that worked her to the bone, but clearly cared a lot for her too. Freeman is clearly enjoying her role here and though perhaps the Nesbitt’s might genuinely want to feel some guilt for their exploitation for $15 a month, it’s one of the cheerier stories of the American dream working out for someone conflicted between her homeland of old and her new land of opportunity.

Geronimo196712 Jul, 2025