Last weekend I saw a vintage movie that I haven’t ever seen – a rarity for me since it starred Bette Davis. And even more amazing was that it had both summer and shelter magazine themes!!
June Bride, from 1948, was not one of Davis’ major hits, but was an improvement over her previous film, Winter Meeting. This romantic comedy stars Davis as Linda Gilman, a powerful and stylish home magazine editor – check out that fabulous necklace.
Enter old flame Carey Jackson, played dashingly by Robert Montgomery, who has been assigned to work for her. The situation is tense as he left her in the lurch at the end of their relationship several years earlier. But of course that is the typical set up in these types of films – the obstacle their romance must overcome. And evidently, in real life there was no love lost between the two, perhaps making the onscreen rancor even more authentic.
Their project is to cover a typical middle class wedding in Indiana for the important June issue. But Jackson, always looking for the human interest story, throws a wrench in Gilman’s perfectly executed plans, when he discovers that the bride is actually in love with the groom’s brother. Some amusing subplots emerge as bedlam ensues. And although the plot is predictable, there are several entertaining vignettes nonetheless.
The most appealing aspect of the film is the clever banter. Montgomery’s lines especially are filled with sophisticated, dry zingers. At the beginning, when he enters the corporate offices of Davis’ boss, the publisher proudly points out his posh leather paneled walls (actually shockingly chic and modern looking). Without missing a beat, Montgomery replies “It must be like living in a wallet”.
Without totally giving away the conclusion, let me add that I found the ending rather disappointing, mostly due to the time period in which it was made. The deliberate and slightly heavy handed softening of Davis’ hard edged professional character is foreseeable yet still somewhat irksome. You’ll also hear the less than egalitarian tone in the clip below. It is however redeemed by the fact that the modest success of the film resulted in a 4 film contract for Davis the next year, making her the highest paid woman in the United States, with a salary of $10,285 a week! Here’s the original trailer:
Looks like another good one! And perfect for this time of year. Happy weekend!
Bette Davis–sigh. What a dame!
What a romantic time that was!
I distinctly remember seeing this film and being intrigued by her on screen profession. Women who lived alone and had careers were always the films that I was attracted to. Films of this nature were a major influence in my life. Hello New York City!
Oh, fab…”It’s must be like living in a wallet.”!!!! What a line!
Haven’t seen it but definitely am mentioning to my mom who is a huge Bette Davis fan…..if she hasn’t then she has a new one to add to her list of what to watch being the movie buff that she is. Thanks..have a wonderful weekend!
I love her wardrobe–Bette was a real babe. Thanks. Mary
I’m surprised I’ve never seen June Bride, either! I love her necklace!! Will definitely add to my list since I am such a BD fan!!! Have a wonderful weekend ; ) ox
this movie sounds quite interesting for the plot as well as the times that it was filmed..add it to my list of movies to rent for the summer…
(it’s too hot to be outside anyway, right?)
maureen
Wow, I can’t remember when 10K was above poverty level.
I will have to find this.
Have a great day.
Teresa
xoxo
Nope, haven’t seen this one. Looks divine. I just love her pronunciation. He’s great too. Why didn’t they get along, do you suppose she really was that difficult? Don’t even get me started on that jewelry, every scene was a tease.
I love Bette Davis, definitely a favorite! This movie is brand new to me though, I’ll have to try to find it this weekend, sounds like a good one. Of course, all your movie recommendations are fabulous so I’m not surprised =)
I love the “in GLORIOUS black and white”! Classic and perfect for a casual evening :) XO, Kelly
I can’t believe I’ve missed this one. I’m lacking the dates, but I’m thinking a prelude to the Philadelphia Story. I am a TCM addict. I’m a sucker for the trained trilling, theatrical voices of the women. The men didn’t seem to have them. I fall hard for the stories of the early power women. It was my Mother’s war generation. They filled the void. They were edgy, hard assed, principled women. Think Katherine Hepburn in Adam and Eve. My Mother was like that and has never suffered fools. They were almost less open than Men are today. “Now Voyager” is a huge favorite of mine, with a different kind of liberation.
Best,
Liz
Looks like a must see movie for me…love the trailer!
How did I ever over-look this film? Once again you’ve chosen my kind of movie. I loved the old black & whites even as a child and especially Betty Davis.
Have a GREAT weekend!! x Deb
What a great reminder of films I’ve yet to see and films I need to go back to. Thank you. And thank you for your lovely comments.
Warm hugs,
Mon
I love watching old movies for the houses!! I don’t believe I’ve seen this one. We are very lucky, in that our tiny, little town has a movie theater (people come from all across the area because it is so charming)- it shows current movies and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons it show the old classics (even some non-talking movies!) It is a rare treat to be able to see the classic on the big screeen!
hope you are well!
joan