Question 1

Why was the role of Susan Applegate particularly meaningful for Ginger Rogers?

Accepted Answer

Ginger Rogers had a personal connection to the character's situation: as a child touring with her mother, she pretended to be younger to get cheaper train fares, just like Susan does in the film.

Question 2

How did Billy Wilder cast Ray Milland for this film?

Accepted Answer

Billy Wilder spontaneously offered Ray Milland the role while stopped at a red light next to him, and Milland agreed after reading the script.

Question 3

What is a memorable line 'Sue-Sue' uses to pretend she's Swedish on the train?

Accepted Answer

When asked to prove her Swedish heritage, she says 'I vant to be alone,' quoting Greta Garbo's famous line from Grand Hotel, which Garbo parodied in Ninotchka.

Question 4

Who played Susan's mother in the film, and how was she cast?

Accepted Answer

Ginger Rogers' real mother, Lela E. Rogers, played Susan's mother after Rogers suggested her when the first choice, Spring Byington, was unavailable.

Question 5

What was significant about The Major and the Minor for Billy Wilder's career?

Accepted Answer

This film was Billy Wilder's directorial debut in the United States.

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The Major and the Minor

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