Three for Bedroom "C" (sometimes written as 3 for Bedroom "C") is a 1952 American comedy film released by Warner Bros. Pictures. It was directed by Milton H. Bren, who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars Gloria Swanson as an aging movie star. Music by Heinz Roemheld.
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Plot
Ann Haven, an aging movie actress, receives an urgent wire demanding that she immediately return to Hollywood to star in a new film.
She is not thrilled with the idea, but decides to go anyway. She plans to leave New York for Los Angeles by train, bringing along her bold young daughter, Barbara.
Unfortunately, the train is full so they have no choice but to stow away in a sleeping compartment.
The berth belongs to a shy and introverted biochemistry professor from Harvard, Ollie J. Thrumm. He ends up boarding the train in Chicago. Romance and complications ensue — including havoc from Ann's agent Johnny Pizer, (who was also in Sunset Boulevard).
Cast
Gloria Swanson as Ann Haven
James Warren as Professor Ollie J. Thruman
Fred Clark as Johnny Pizer
Hans Conried as Press agent Jack Bleck
Steve Brodie as Conde Marlowe
Janine Perreau as Barbara Haven
Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Agnes Hawthorne
Ernest Anderson as Railroad Porter (uncredited)
Background
Riding high after the critical and financial success of Sunset Boulevard (1950), Swanson was offered more film roles. According to her, they were all pale imitations of Norma Desmond, her character in the hit film.
Reluctant to accept the roles, in fear of being typecast as a faded actress, she agreed to be in Three for Bedroom "C" because it offered something different — it was a comedy. This was her first film in color, and she was also costume designer for the project. Swanson hoped to duplicate her previous success. Unfortunately, the film underperformed with critics and with audiences.