The film""s story was based onNew York Sun(now defunct) newspaper reporter Malcolm Johnson""s expose, found in a series of 24 articles calledCrime on the Waterfront.The camera shoots from over-the-shoulder of the domineering, tormenting mother as she issues cruel and disparaging words against Charlotte, and denies that her progeny is having a nervous breakdown:I will not countenance deceit against one of my own flesh and blood, but neither will I countenance any more of Charlotte""s nonsense.Down the stairs after Linda bounds her roommate - insultingly sarcastic poor blonde girl Jean Maitland (Ginger Rogers), wearing a plain blouse and slacks, and demanding that she remove and return her stockings.Despite being aimed at mostly young audiences (and told from a child""s POV), his film consistently remained intelligent but was sometimes quite dark for a children""s film.