Mr. Tarkington's humorous and touching story of adolescence ["Seventeen"] has retained its charm and vitality through the years, and [the adaption for the stage written by Sally Benson] is thoroughly enjoyable….

Puppy-love is almost unbearable for the adults who have to survive these epidemics of madness that infect the adolescents. But Mr. Tarkington had the grace to realize that puppy-love is almost unbearable for the adolescents, as well….

[Sally Benson has not] violated Mr. Tarkington's taste. Although "Seventeen" is uproarious, it is also kind. There is very little show hokum anywhere in the production.

Brooks Atkinson, "Theater Reviews: 'Seventeen'," in The New York Times (© 1951 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), July 1, 1951, p. 11.