McGrath publishes children's book, hires Martha as illustrator. Uncle Bump battles alcoholism, writer's block. He schemes to keep Martha, involving Danny. Romantic feelings arise between Unc... Read allMcGrath publishes children's book, hires Martha as illustrator. Uncle Bump battles alcoholism, writer's block. He schemes to keep Martha, involving Danny. Romantic feelings arise between Uncle Bump and Martha amid personal challenges.McGrath publishes children's book, hires Martha as illustrator. Uncle Bump battles alcoholism, writer's block. He schemes to keep Martha, involving Danny. Romantic feelings arise between Uncle Bump and Martha amid personal challenges.
- Awards
- 3 wins total
- Danny
- (as Butch Jenkins)
- Farmer
- (scenes deleted)
- Helen Oldfield
- (scenes deleted)
- Joe
- (scenes deleted)
- Bellhop
- (uncredited)
- Piute Chief
- (uncredited)
- Mohawk
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
This movie has the same sentiment that another Johnson and Allyson film does: Too Young to Kiss. There is the same love-hate relationship between the two with the obvious ending, but plenty of fun along the way. The two had a strong chemistry, which is why they made so many films together.
Another wonderful addition to this film is Jenkins, the same kid from The Human Comedy. He's a little older here, and such a lovable little boy, though he isn't traditionally cute, but he's lots of fun to watch.
The meet-cute is rather suggestive visually especially for the time. There is good potential. The story is a bit episodic. There's a whole section where the kids pretend to be Indians. I thought the book would be a good way to structure the story. Rawlings can write Danny into the book as the fake family has some adventure. The story slowly meanders and loses a little bit steam.
This is a common kind of entertainment film using a catching, breezy plot and high profile actors, but filmed with bright simplicity and without attempting too much more that the basics.
And all of these basic goals are met here—cheerfully, and rather enjoyably. That is, if you take it for what it is, this is a warm and well made romantic comedy. It excels most for the sweet and subtle acting by June Allyson, and by the surprise depth of the buck-toothed boy character in the movie, Jackie Jenkins. The leading man has never been a favorite of mine—Van Johnson, but he holds up his end well enough.
The plot is a clever set up, reminding me for some reason of the mixed-up plot of "Christmas in Connecticut," which has the same lighthearted feeling. People pretend to be one thing and get into a comical—and romantic trap—by trying to maintain the farce. Everyone is lying, in a way, even the innocent woman who at first is purely innocent. (She ends up pretending, or changing you might say, for different reasons, which the audience appreciates.)
This is no screwball comedy. It lacks the insanity, and the wit, and maybe even the inevitability (even though you know how it ends, more or less). It's a good romp with some excellent acting to shore up the feeble plot. There are lots of great moments, and even an oddly spectacular bit of nonsense near the end where a whole room full of character actors get truly nutty at the same time. Quite funny.
Did you know
- TriviaThe title is a bit of a misnomer: there is no bride - the film ends with two people on their way to get married, so at best there's a fiancée.
- GoofsWhen Danny runs away and arrives at Tillie's place on the lake, different studio lights are reflected in the glass of the ant farm.
- Quotes
John McGrath: Oh, Mother Goose.
Mother Goose: Yes, Mr. McGrath.
John McGrath: I put that raise through for you.
Mother Goose: Oh, thank you, Mr. McGrath.
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $1,685,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 38 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1