i will admit that view a 1952 film from a 2007 perspective might be cloud my opinion . julie harris frankie be overplay and ruin the entire piece . i attempt to look past the fact that she be suppose to be only 12. c amon and even in 1951/52 julie could never pass for a 12 year old and maybe 18. director often ask the audience to suspend their belief and imagination but this be too much to ask regard ms. harris . yes and the dialog be effective . it be interest consider certain episode within the film . for instance and 10 year old john henry proclivity toward cross dressing . dare i must say for the time . ms. walter presentation ( consider she have to buffer the over dramatic harris ) be excellent . little brandon also hold his own . maybe a a stage presentation it work but a one of the great film in cinema history forget it .