There's a certain class of film, for some reason seen in the 30s especially, that's broadly well made but doesn't make any lasting impression. Gratifyingly, I don't think this is one of them. Though it's a smidgen sloppy about its exposition, right off the bat we're presented with considerable tension amidst several characters, some of whom are distinctly more sympathetic and likable than others. The core early event that sets up the remainder of the plot is pointedly disordered to emphasize the chaos, but instead comes off in some measure as a little mismanaged - but is still suitably well done, and at this stage we have all the necessary ingredients for an engaging viewing experience as the story shifts to its primary setting. Flavored with tinges of adventure and light comedy on top of the central drama, I'm not saying that 'Jungle bride' wholly demands an audience, but it's duly entertaining and satisfying, and surely a slight step above some of its contemporaries.
Even with a cast so small, some stand out above others; Anita Page and especially Kenneth Thomson seem a little flat at first compared to Charles Starrett and Eddie Borden, who both pop out with more vibrancy. In fairness, it could simply be that Gordon and Eddie are written with more personality in the first place compared to Doris and Franklin; incidentally, the disparity also reflects who is painted as being more sympathetic. Regardless, they all do their part to bring the tale to life, and the acting in general seems to improve in fits and starts as the plot develops and characters change. To that point, hats off as well to the animal handlers and trainers. In other regards this is commendably well made, with a luscious jungle set, appreciable stunts and effects, and fine costume design, hair, and makeup. I think Arthur Huffsmith's editing is a tad overzealous at times, but overall the fundamentals are swell, including capable if unremarkable direction and cinematography.
Meanwhile, I'm actually kind of impressed with the writing, whether it's a question of what Leah Baird penned or just what came across as the final product in execution. It's not perfect, especially as extreme shortcuts are taken in the last minute or so to resolve the plot, though I assume this can be chalked up to demands of the producers. Considered in full the plot is comparatively simple. Yet the narrative is earnestly compelling, with some smart nuance and detail, and if anything I just wish this were a tad longer so that everything could have been fleshed out more, especially when it comes to the characters' mindsets and the dynamics between them. Likewise, the captain is written with some splendid traits that I would have liked to have seen developed beyond the collective two minutes or so of screen time that he gets. True, sometimes it seems that the storytelling is better about communicating big beats and ideas rather than the minutiae, and it's a bit wishy-washy about the passage of time, but between the overall tale, the characters, and the scene writing, I rather think there's a lot to like here. What 'Jungle bride' needed above all was merely more commitment from the financiers to let the picture be all that it could've been.
Granted, there's nothing about this feature so special as to make it a must-see. In the annals of cinema history this is more likely to be lumped in with its fellow brethren of the 30s, admired as a vestige of the medium's past without much thought as to its own merits. That is unfortunate, though, for it's pretty well made in every capacity, and meaningfully engrossing and enjoyable. I do quite think it stands notably taller than other titles released in the same timeframe. All told it might not be something that one needs to go out of their way to see, but even with its shortcomings I'm pleasantly surprised by just how good 'Jungle bride' is, and I'm happy to recommend it to anyone who is receptive to older movies.
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