June Bride (1948)

Don't Believe the Hype

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Bette Davis proved in this film that she was certainly adept in comedy as well as her magnificent dramatic performances. She is not dominant in this film, but she matches co-star Robert Montgomery beautifully in this 1948 production.As a magazine editor, lusting for love with Montgomery, she gets her opportunity when he returns to the states following World War 11.The picture isn't only about the two of them. While covering a wedding in Indiana, Montgomery discovers that the bride-to-be is on the rebound from the groom's brother and he decides to rectify that.The picture must have been old home week for Bette. Her co-stars include Mary Wickes, the nurse in "Now, Voyager," (1942) and fellow Oscar winner for 1938's "Jezebel," Faye Bainter. Ironically, Barbara Bates appears briefly in the film. 2 years later she played the girl hot on the heels of Anne Baxter in "All About Eve."

Robert Montgomery is not my favorite, but he does hold up his end in this film. The script is well-written, but the two stars have zero chemistry and Bette Davis appears ill, tired and disinterested in this part. She is noticeably thin and perhaps she was really ill. In any case, they are both too old for their roles.What saves this movie is the well-written script and Tom Tully's outdoor cider jug! Of course, any movie with Bette Davis is worth watching, and this one is no exception. I don't think comedy is really her forte anyway, and her performance and characterization strongly remind me of "The Man Who Came To Dinner" done several years before this one. That one, of course, is much better-written, and it puts Bette's character in a supporting role and makes more sense of her romantic situation. Even in 1950, would a successful magazine editor give up everything for a husband without a job?

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.

Fitfully amusing for the cast, especially the supporting characters, but the dated material is done in by a weak script. The Davis-Montgomery relationship is core of the film. The chemistry shows promise at the outset, but has really evaporated by the film's end. Davis is watchable, although her performance is variable; Montgomery gets more annoying as things progress and is particularly done in by the strained plotline. Here is an actor who has more mannerisms than Bette Davis (and they don't serve the picture as well). The ending probably annoyed audiences even back in 1948--it certainly doesn't play well in 2003! One wonders what went through Bette Davis's mind during the final scene, considering that this movie was made at time when she was having her famous contract feuds with the Warner Brothers. Was Jack Warner getting back at her?