Lune de miel à Bali

Since I watched her in the Hitchcock film, "The 39 Steps (1935), I have admired Madeleine for her cool blond, sophisticated skill as an actress. "Honeymoon in Bali" was a very enjoyable film which did not telegraph its ending until the final scene, a tribute to the intelligent screenplay and writer.In some ways the plot is modern despite it being over 70 years old.There are still many career girls working in New York who are bright, but are emotionally lonely and always on the lookout for "Mr Right", I worked for an American Bank and met quite a few bright American girls in our London office (and was even propositioned by one).Madeleine Carroll is her own boss and has a highly successful well paid career and is loath to surrender it all up for a mere man!She has the sophisticated NYK accent off pat and plays her bright, intelligent and attractive self.

Love comes knocking in the shape of Fred MacMurray whom she meets in an expensive boat showroom in the heart of Manhattan.Madeleine has a best friend (Helen Broderick) who incautiously reminds her that her opera singing boyfriend (Allan Jones) has not put enough candles on the cake.The singing telegram scene is flat and without emotion despite Allan Jones giving an operatic version of "Happy Birthday".You sense Madeleine needs emotional fulfillment at this point.As to the candle discrepancy, in a bit of repartee worthy of Oscar Wilde, Madeleine retorts,"I always think one shouldn't have people around you know for too long".

Fred is the legal guardian of a little girl and asks whether Madeleine would temporarily look after her, but Madeleine must put her career first.Fred has worked in Bali and has a platonic relationship with a foreign girl who is already contemplating marriage to him.A window cleaner played by Akim Tamiroff cleans Madeleine's office windows and appears something of a philosopher who rates Fred but not Allan Jones.Gradually Madeleine becomes emotionally attached to Fred's little girl and even treks to his home in Bali when she realises she really loves him.

Although we cannot have a sad ending, in a denouement worthy of the great Jane Austen herself, the film ends leaving us with a feel-good factor, (although we are kept guessing right up to its end).A triumph for the great Madeleine Carroll sufficient to make Robert Donat really jealous!!

What an enjoyable piece of fluff. Though I'd say it was a bit more than a piece of fluff, really, as there is subtlety galore, and philosophy, and irreverence and some macabre/screwball humour when the love rival for Fred MacMurray says in an offhand way that she'd attempted suicide but then got married, but then found it hard to be sad when her husband was killed playing polo... That kind of humour would raise eyebrows even today! Alan Jones sings his manly heart out while wearing a pencil moustache, and Madeleine Carroll says some very clever and deep things about the nature of female independence. You can tell that the actress really thought these lines were quite wise and put a lot of feeling into them, even though the film is at pains to prove the opposite view. Likewise subtle is the fact that MacMurray is a bit of a cad, not a straightforward hero. I actually hated him for a good few minutes. The small roles are played with great skill and elan, particularly the fortune teller with her blithe, witty delivery and of course Window-cleaner philosopher Akim Tamiroff, whom I ended up applauding out loud for his sheer verve, and the comedy and character he packs into each gesture. The fly in the ointment, to this cow-poke anyway, is the truly cringeworthy little girl. Ugh! You can just see her pushy mother urging her on to become the next Shirley Temple. Sorry dear, that requires talent, not just a shrill voice and a pudgy face.

What a jewel to find! I bought a DVD for $1 to get a Cary Grant film, and this movie was included under the name "My Love for Yours." "Honeymoon in Bali" is a much better title. We watched it twice - the scene with the fortune teller is such fun when you know how the story line goes. Carolyn Lee as the little girl steals every scene she is in. For those of us who grew up with Fred MacMurray and "My Three Sons," this movie is a real surprise. MacMurray plays a wonderful romantic lead. The cameo appearance by Akim Tamiroff is a perfect bookend for the beginning and end of the film. The singing telegram boy is another classic moment. A film worth watching!

Also called My Love for Yours.

Bill Burnett, a resident of Bali, visits New York City, meets and falls in love with Gail Allen, the successful manager of a Fifth Avenue shop, who is determined to remain free and independent.

Bill proposes, Gail declines and Bill goes home to Bali.

But a young girl, Rosie, and Tony the Window Cleaner, who dispels advice on every floor, soon have Gail thinking maybe she was a bit hasty with her no to Bill's proposal.

Ere long she discovers that she does love Bill and can't live without him.

She goes down to Bali to give him the good news.

He learns that he is soon to marry Noel Van Ness.

She goes back to New York City. Or does she?

It's a trite well done film that is easily watched.

I also found this movie at a $1.00 bin. What a beautiful surprise! The movie was quick,romantic,funny,with an intelligent plot. The characters were all individually unique, from the window washer,fortune teller, to the singing telegram boy. I love little Rosie so much in this movie I tried looking up her biography.

The emotion conveyed in this movie lead me to watch it over and over again. Each scene can stand alone. The intrigue with the fortune teller's predictions, Allan Jones' voice was marvelous. Fred MacMurray's acting continues to amaze me. His character has such sex appeal and magnetism. It makes me wonder how many of these movies are out there that haven't been seen.