June Bride

This may not be the most dramatic or consequential film Bette Davis ever made, but it is still worth watching nevertheless. The odd thing about the film is that it had an odd chemistry by pairing with her and Robert Montgomery, but it isn't bad enough to seriously affect the film. Plus, it is possible that I am one of the few who thought they just didn't make a likely couple. The banter between them, though, is fast paced and charming and although you know they ultimately will discover their love for each other, it works. Why? Well, the writing was good and both leads are good enough actors that they manage to keep it fun and engaging. Formulaic? Yes. But worth a look just the same.

A rare Betty Davis film that's funny. She works well playing off of Robert Montgomery. Biting, witty, satirical dialogue is very funny between the two. I would never imagine these two actors together, but in this film, it works! Could have been a cloying, icky sweet film but isn't. Wonderful supporting players (Mary Wickes, Sandra Gould, Jerome Cowan, Fay Bainter). Wish someone would write films like this again, films for smart people. Alas, we are left with monosyllabic grunts most of the time. For a break, rent this film!

Pleasing, breezy comedy loosely in the "screwball" style has Davis as a women's magazine editor, and Montgomery her writer. The pair of ex-lovers heads to the heartland of America to do an article on a wedding -- but complications, of course, arise. Davis and Montgomery have fine chemistry, but Montgomery's character smug mannerisms get annoying. Not too much of note here, but there are worse ways to pass the time. Will please most fans of the star duo looking for something a bit different from their usual 40s fare.

This movie surprised me. Typically, although I adore Bette Davis in dramas, I don't usually care for her in comedies. And, I don't care for Robert Montgomery at all...but I liked him very much here. But to me, this is not a comedy per se, although there is a lot of humor in it.

Robert Montgomery plays a foreign correspondent who reluctantly accepts a job under his former flame -- Bette Davis. He still loves her, she doesn't still love him...at least not at first. They go to Indiana to cover a "typical American wedding," but it turns out not to be quite so typical.

Another thing I rarely find funny in films are drunk scenes. Here, however, Robert Montgomery is hilarious as a drunk.

Aside from strong performances by Davis and Montgomery, this film has an extremely strong cast. Fay Bainter is wonderful, as always, although I would have wished her part was more substantial. You'll recognize Tom Tully, but perhaps for his roles in John Wayne-type films...much different here as the father of the bride(s). And you'll recognize Mary Wickes and Marjorie Bennett.

While this won't find a place on my DVD shelf, I did truly enjoy it. I think you will, also.

This is a delightful film, one of my favorites. There is a brief scene that is not to be missed, between Bette Davis (as Linda), Mary Wickes (as Rosemary) and Tom Tully (as Mr. Brinker), in which Linda and Rosemary are discussing "Mrs. Brinker's bust" as Mr. Brinker looks on. The audience knows what they're talking about, but poor Mr. Brinker does not, and his expressions and reaction are hysterically funny. The whole film is definitely worth seeing. Robert Montgomery drunk on cider is also not to be missed.