MoMA American Indies: Lovers And Lollipops

MoMA Films: Lovers And Lollipops

Ann is a young widow living in New York City with her young daughter Peggy. Ann and Peggy have a happy and prosperous life, but Ann believes Peggy needs a father.

Peggy likes life just the way it is. She is content with the duo that includes her mom and herself and doesn't agree with the need for a man around the already small apartment. Partly believing she is doing this for Peggy, Ann begins a relationship with an old friend, Larry, who has just returned to New York after working abroad for some time. Larry is familiar, safe and reliable; from Ann's point of view, he is a good candidate for a stepfather.

When the trio heads out for a Sunday excursion, all is well until Peggy grows tired and cranky, just as any child would after a long day of walking around the city. Ann wants Peggy to be part of the bond she has formed with Larry, but she also seems to gently resent the lack of adult time that is available. When it dawns on Peggy that marriage may be in the future for her mom and Larry, she begins to act out even more. A three-way battle of wills ensues.

Dedicated New Yorker and independent filmmaker Morris Engel and his wife, photographer Ruth Orkin, lovingly capture the sites of New York City—even the MoMA sculpture garden à la 1955.

82 minutes. Preserved by The Museum of Modern Art with support from The Film Foundation. 

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