Naughty But Nice Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Naughty But Nice
| Movie | Naughty But Nice |
| Release Year | 1939 |
| Director | Ray Enright |
| Genre | Comedy / Music |
| Runtime | 89 minutes (1h 29m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Naughty But Nice (1939) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Naughty But Nice are led by Ann Sheridan . The supporting cast, including Dick Powell and Gale Page , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Naughty But Nice stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Naughty But Nice has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Naughty But Nice
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1939, Naughty But Nice is a Comedy, Music film directed by Ray Enright, written by Richard Macaulay. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ann Sheridan as Zelda Manion.
Ending Explained: Naughty But Nice
Naughty But Nice Ending Explained: Donald Hardwick (Dick Powell) is a stuffed-shirt, classical music professor. Directed by Ray Enright, this 1939 comedy film stars Ann Sheridan (Zelda Manion), alongside Dick Powell as Professor Donald Hardwick, Gale Page as Linda McKay, Helen Broderick as Aunt Martha Hogan. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Naughty But Nice?
Donald Hardwick (Dick Powell) is a stuffed-shirt, classical music professor. His family and small-town music college that he works are of equal mindset. When Don visits his black-sheep aunt in New York in order to find a buyer for his Rhapsody he is exposed to her shocking swing music crowd. His life begins to make dramatic changes after drinking a "lemonade" that turns out to be a Hurricane.
Ray Enright's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ann Sheridan (Zelda Manion)'s journey. His family and small-town music college that he works are of equal mindset.
How Does Ann Sheridan (Zelda Manion)'s Story End?
- Ann Sheridan: Ann Sheridan's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Dick Powell (Professor Donald Hardwick): Dick Powell's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Gale Page (Linda McKay): Gale Page's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Naughty But Nice Mean?
Naughty But Nice's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Ann Sheridan may feel rushed. Ray Enright's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Naughty But Nice Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Naughty But Nice Based on a True Story?
No, Naughty But Nice is a work of fiction. While the comedy, music film directed by Ray Enright and starring Ann Sheridan may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Naughty But Nice?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ann Sheridan or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 89 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Naughty But Nice Parents Guide & Age Rating
1939 AdvisoryWondering about Naughty But Nice age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Naughty But Nice (1939) is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Directed by Ray Enright, the film runs for 89 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Naughty But Nice is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1939 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naughty But Nice worth watching?
Naughty But Nice is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Naughty But Nice parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Naughty But Nice identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Naughty But Nice (1939)?
The runtime of Naughty But Nice (1939) is 89 minutes (approximately 1h 29m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
