A rare Betty Davis film that's funny. She works well playing off of Robert Montgomery. Biting, witty, satirical dialogue is very funny between the two. I would never imagine these two actors together, but in this film, it works! Could have been a cloying, icky sweet film but isn't. Wonderful supporting players (Mary Wickes, Sandra Gould, Jerome Cowan, Fay Bainter). Wish someone would write films like this again, films for smart people. Alas, we are left with monosyllabic grunts most of the time. For a break, rent this film!
34 Reviews
That's not confetti on the ground in this June wedding-It's snow!
mark.waltz21 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The June Bride is actually married earlier to make the June issue of the magazine of which Bette Davis is the editor. She's no Meryl Streep of "The Devil Wears Prada" personality; In fact, she's a very congenial lady, except when ex-beau Robert Montgomery is around, still stung from the fact that he stood her up for a dinner date. "After three years, I figured you weren't coming", she slyly tells him, then cringes when she learns that he's been assigned by their publisher to become her newest writer. She's off to Indiana for a homey wedding where the plump mother of the bride needs constant massages to fit into her new dress, the father keeps the cork off the apple cider and ice inside it to ferment it, the sister of the bride is in love with the groom, and the bride is actually in love with the groom's brother. ...And you think us city folk live soap opera lives!!!
This is Bette Davis's first comedy in six years, and she certainly knows how to throw off a witty line or two. She's given a fine sparring partner in Montgomery who did a few of these screwball comedies over at MGM during his heyday there and after war movies and film noir needed a lighter role. Surrounding them on the staff are cynical Fay Bainter and wise-cracking Mary Wickes, a bust of Julius Caesar's given to the bride's mother (Marjorie Bennett) on her wedding day which the husband (Tom Tully) secretly hates, and the sisters (Barbara Bates and Betty Lynn) who aren't exactly loyal to each other. Country folk aren't all butter churns and hog-calling contests, we learn, and the city folk have a thing or two to learn.
This is a battle of the sexes comedy that only seems to be out to prove that a woman with a career is not a woman at all, and it is obvious where Montgomery wants Davis to be if he can get her to the alter. Like other career women in Warner Brothers movies (Kay Francis in "Man Wanted", Ruth Chatterton in "Female", Barbara Stanwyck in "Christmas in Connecticut"), Davis finds she can't have both worlds. Yet, you still get the impression that there will still be a tiger underneath the kitten with an apron should Montgomery get his way, 'cause after all, she's Bette Davis, and a tiger never changes her stripes.
Yet, in spite of all that, this is still very amusing, and there are some truly funny moments, especially Montgomery's consumption of apple cider and his reaction to what he's doing when he wakes up. The sisters are totally different in personalities, and when Montgomery learns what the sister of the bride is really up to, his reaction is eyebrow raising. It's ironic to see Bennett as the country mother here, recalling her performance as Victor Buono's cockney mama in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" where she didn't share any scenes with Davis. A very young Sandra Gould ("Bewitched's" second Gladys Kravitz) is very funny in her brief role as Davis's boss's secretary, while a young Debbie Reynolds (who went through her own Bette Davis wedding in "A Catered Affair"), is seen in a "don't blink or you'll miss it" moment as a wedding guest, one of the bride's friends.
This is Bette Davis's first comedy in six years, and she certainly knows how to throw off a witty line or two. She's given a fine sparring partner in Montgomery who did a few of these screwball comedies over at MGM during his heyday there and after war movies and film noir needed a lighter role. Surrounding them on the staff are cynical Fay Bainter and wise-cracking Mary Wickes, a bust of Julius Caesar's given to the bride's mother (Marjorie Bennett) on her wedding day which the husband (Tom Tully) secretly hates, and the sisters (Barbara Bates and Betty Lynn) who aren't exactly loyal to each other. Country folk aren't all butter churns and hog-calling contests, we learn, and the city folk have a thing or two to learn.
This is a battle of the sexes comedy that only seems to be out to prove that a woman with a career is not a woman at all, and it is obvious where Montgomery wants Davis to be if he can get her to the alter. Like other career women in Warner Brothers movies (Kay Francis in "Man Wanted", Ruth Chatterton in "Female", Barbara Stanwyck in "Christmas in Connecticut"), Davis finds she can't have both worlds. Yet, you still get the impression that there will still be a tiger underneath the kitten with an apron should Montgomery get his way, 'cause after all, she's Bette Davis, and a tiger never changes her stripes.
Yet, in spite of all that, this is still very amusing, and there are some truly funny moments, especially Montgomery's consumption of apple cider and his reaction to what he's doing when he wakes up. The sisters are totally different in personalities, and when Montgomery learns what the sister of the bride is really up to, his reaction is eyebrow raising. It's ironic to see Bennett as the country mother here, recalling her performance as Victor Buono's cockney mama in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" where she didn't share any scenes with Davis. A very young Sandra Gould ("Bewitched's" second Gladys Kravitz) is very funny in her brief role as Davis's boss's secretary, while a young Debbie Reynolds (who went through her own Bette Davis wedding in "A Catered Affair"), is seen in a "don't blink or you'll miss it" moment as a wedding guest, one of the bride's friends.
Surprisingly good film with Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery (you'll like them together far more than they liked being together!)
vincentlynch-moonoi5 June 2011
This movie surprised me. Typically, although I adore Bette Davis in dramas, I don't usually care for her in comedies. And, I don't care for Robert Montgomery at all...but I liked him very much here. But to me, this is not a comedy per se, although there is a lot of humor in it.
Robert Montgomery plays a foreign correspondent who reluctantly accepts a job under his former flame -- Bette Davis. He still loves her, she doesn't still love him...at least not at first. They go to Indiana to cover a "typical American wedding," but it turns out not to be quite so typical.
Another thing I rarely find funny in films are drunk scenes. Here, however, Robert Montgomery is hilarious as a drunk.
Aside from strong performances by Davis and Montgomery, this film has an extremely strong cast. Fay Bainter is wonderful, as always, although I would have wished her part was more substantial. You'll recognize Tom Tully, but perhaps for his roles in John Wayne-type films...much different here as the father of the bride(s). And you'll recognize Mary Wickes and Marjorie Bennett.
While this won't find a place on my DVD shelf, I did truly enjoy it. I think you will, also.
Robert Montgomery plays a foreign correspondent who reluctantly accepts a job under his former flame -- Bette Davis. He still loves her, she doesn't still love him...at least not at first. They go to Indiana to cover a "typical American wedding," but it turns out not to be quite so typical.
Another thing I rarely find funny in films are drunk scenes. Here, however, Robert Montgomery is hilarious as a drunk.
Aside from strong performances by Davis and Montgomery, this film has an extremely strong cast. Fay Bainter is wonderful, as always, although I would have wished her part was more substantial. You'll recognize Tom Tully, but perhaps for his roles in John Wayne-type films...much different here as the father of the bride(s). And you'll recognize Mary Wickes and Marjorie Bennett.
While this won't find a place on my DVD shelf, I did truly enjoy it. I think you will, also.
Ok comedic battle of the sophisticated NY sexes with Indiana battleground
trpdean28 December 2002
As a Hoosier who has lived most of my life in New York, who enjoys both Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery, and was in the mood for a romantic comedy (my local theater had sold out on the Bullock-Grant comedy this evening), I thought this was good. There are a number of funny scenes (including the mistaken understanding regarding the "bust").
I do grow a little tired sometimes of the absurdity of everyone marrying within a few hours on seeing someone they like - very much a 1930s-1940s movie fiction (and never reality) - yet I kind of hoped it would happen here.
In reference to the comment below about Robert Montgomery taking a 15 year old over his lap - she's actually supposed to be 18! And I therefore thought he had mixed feelings in doing it!
The dialogue here is often very extraordinary - the writer goes on flights of fancy that will make you want to rewind! This is also not a movie whose ending will please the feminists - but that's life.
All in all, a good movie with a good plot, fine performances, and enough quite funny scenes to make it enjoyable.
I do grow a little tired sometimes of the absurdity of everyone marrying within a few hours on seeing someone they like - very much a 1930s-1940s movie fiction (and never reality) - yet I kind of hoped it would happen here.
In reference to the comment below about Robert Montgomery taking a 15 year old over his lap - she's actually supposed to be 18! And I therefore thought he had mixed feelings in doing it!
The dialogue here is often very extraordinary - the writer goes on flights of fancy that will make you want to rewind! This is also not a movie whose ending will please the feminists - but that's life.
All in all, a good movie with a good plot, fine performances, and enough quite funny scenes to make it enjoyable.
"screwball" comedy with Bette Davis/Robert Montgomery!
funkyfry16 December 2002
Pleasing, breezy comedy loosely in the "screwball" style has Davis as a women's magazine editor, and Montgomery her writer. The pair of ex-lovers heads to the heartland of America to do an article on a wedding -- but complications, of course, arise. Davis and Montgomery have fine chemistry, but Montgomery's character smug mannerisms get annoying. Not too much of note here, but there are worse ways to pass the time. Will please most fans of the star duo looking for something a bit different from their usual 40s fare.
odd pairing but still enjoyable
planktonrules17 October 2005
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.
What a motley crew of a supporting cast!
AlsExGal20 June 2021
The funny thing is, Bette Davis made other films with just about all of them - Fay Bainter, Mary Wickes, and Betty Lynn (she was Thelma Lou on the Andy Griffith Show). George O'Hanlon as the magazine cameraman was Joe McDoakes in a series of Warner Brothers shorts.
But this is the first and only pairing of Robert Montgomery and Bette Davis. Montgomery, as Carey Jackson, dumped Bette Davis, as Linda Gilman, without even telling her, when three years before when he started thinking they were getting too serious. So he's been writing in Europe, but then his magazine's office closed and he's back in New York. He ends up on the staff of Home Life, edited by Linda.
Linda is over Carey, but she insists he realize she is the boss or she will fire him. She is afraid he will look for "angles" in every straightforward assignment she gives him. She is not wrong. This is a great and nuanced performance by Davis, and she actually does well as the 30 something independent sophisticate, making it in what was very much a man's world at the time. Carey, by his maneuvers, is not over Linda physically, but that seems to be as far as it goes for him, and he gets very annoying with his antics. As much as I like Montgomery, it seems like that would be difficult to do, but he manages to pull off making me dislike his character because he is so smarmy.
The bulk of the film is set in Indiana as Linda's staff are there to do a feature article about a wedding. It's basically a "bunch of fish out of water" story with the New York sophisticate magazine staff trying to make the homespun Brinker house fit for a layout in their magazine with the sexual tension between Linda and Carey playing out along with the fact that all is not right with the romance between the bride and groom to be.
The supporting cast is fine and the dialogue sparkles with wit, but it really cries out for the zaniness of Loy and Powell in the lead and a director like Leo McCarey to get it to where it is a first class screwball comedy. Instead we have Bretaigne Windust in the director chair, who mainly directed television and to date doesn't even have a bio section on this website. And that is unusual among directors.
If it ever comes your way I'd give it a chance, just because it is a somewhat unjustly forgotten item in Bette Davis' filmography.
But this is the first and only pairing of Robert Montgomery and Bette Davis. Montgomery, as Carey Jackson, dumped Bette Davis, as Linda Gilman, without even telling her, when three years before when he started thinking they were getting too serious. So he's been writing in Europe, but then his magazine's office closed and he's back in New York. He ends up on the staff of Home Life, edited by Linda.
Linda is over Carey, but she insists he realize she is the boss or she will fire him. She is afraid he will look for "angles" in every straightforward assignment she gives him. She is not wrong. This is a great and nuanced performance by Davis, and she actually does well as the 30 something independent sophisticate, making it in what was very much a man's world at the time. Carey, by his maneuvers, is not over Linda physically, but that seems to be as far as it goes for him, and he gets very annoying with his antics. As much as I like Montgomery, it seems like that would be difficult to do, but he manages to pull off making me dislike his character because he is so smarmy.
The bulk of the film is set in Indiana as Linda's staff are there to do a feature article about a wedding. It's basically a "bunch of fish out of water" story with the New York sophisticate magazine staff trying to make the homespun Brinker house fit for a layout in their magazine with the sexual tension between Linda and Carey playing out along with the fact that all is not right with the romance between the bride and groom to be.
The supporting cast is fine and the dialogue sparkles with wit, but it really cries out for the zaniness of Loy and Powell in the lead and a director like Leo McCarey to get it to where it is a first class screwball comedy. Instead we have Bretaigne Windust in the director chair, who mainly directed television and to date doesn't even have a bio section on this website. And that is unusual among directors.
If it ever comes your way I'd give it a chance, just because it is a somewhat unjustly forgotten item in Bette Davis' filmography.
Bette & Bob battle over the basics
jjnxn-16 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
It's a battle of the sexes 50's style with the expected outcome but Bette Davis shows her light side ably supported by a stellar cast.
Since comedy wasn't Bette's long suit Warners filled out the cast with some of the premier light comic actors in the business. Robert Montgomery is ideally cast in the sort of facile smart alack that was his signature in his MGM days. He and Bette have a sand-papery chemistry that works fine but it seems that she might have had more rapport with Cary Grant or Clark Gable, two other masters of this kind of breezy fare. She had actually requested either Jack Carson or Dennis Morgan to costar but both were tied up with other commitments, Morgan might have been a stretch but the part would have fit the great Carson like a glove.
Surrounding them are two unique masters of the wry line reading-Fay Bainter and Mary Wickes. They add enormously to the film as do Tom Tully, as the bride's flummoxed father, James Burke as a photographer very fond of cheesecake snapshots and especially Betty Lynn in a scene stealing performance as mischief making younger sister Boo. She is an impish delight and handily takes scenes away from her more experienced cast mates.
You have to keep an eagle eye out but during the pre-wedding scene Debbie Reynolds makes her wordless screen bow sitting on a sofa. Blink and you'll miss her.
Spoiled somewhat by a cop out traditional ending that negates a great deal of what has come before but until that point this is a highly entertaining movie from Bette's late Warner Bros. period. Indeed in the dark days of Winter Meeting and Beyond the Forest this gives Miss Davis a breather to show off her new look hairdo and wardrobe in a slight but fun movie.
Since comedy wasn't Bette's long suit Warners filled out the cast with some of the premier light comic actors in the business. Robert Montgomery is ideally cast in the sort of facile smart alack that was his signature in his MGM days. He and Bette have a sand-papery chemistry that works fine but it seems that she might have had more rapport with Cary Grant or Clark Gable, two other masters of this kind of breezy fare. She had actually requested either Jack Carson or Dennis Morgan to costar but both were tied up with other commitments, Morgan might have been a stretch but the part would have fit the great Carson like a glove.
Surrounding them are two unique masters of the wry line reading-Fay Bainter and Mary Wickes. They add enormously to the film as do Tom Tully, as the bride's flummoxed father, James Burke as a photographer very fond of cheesecake snapshots and especially Betty Lynn in a scene stealing performance as mischief making younger sister Boo. She is an impish delight and handily takes scenes away from her more experienced cast mates.
You have to keep an eagle eye out but during the pre-wedding scene Debbie Reynolds makes her wordless screen bow sitting on a sofa. Blink and you'll miss her.
Spoiled somewhat by a cop out traditional ending that negates a great deal of what has come before but until that point this is a highly entertaining movie from Bette's late Warner Bros. period. Indeed in the dark days of Winter Meeting and Beyond the Forest this gives Miss Davis a breather to show off her new look hairdo and wardrobe in a slight but fun movie.
a curious film
lulu191439 February 2006
I found this film quite interesting, especially given the current mania for home makeover shows on TV. Bette Davis plays a magazine editor who, for each monthly issue, completes a home makeover for one lucky family. For the June issue, she will make over a family home in Indiana for their daughter's wedding. The catch - her writer is a new hire and a former lover, played by Robert Montgomery. Looking for a "scoop," he uncovers the real romance his goal-oriented editor misses. There's a wedding alright, but not necessarily the one that was planned...
Despite an odd pairing of Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery (which still sort of worked for me somehow) and a very disappointingly engineered ending, I quite enjoyed this film, especially Bette Davis' portrayal of the middle aged career woman.
Despite an odd pairing of Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery (which still sort of worked for me somehow) and a very disappointingly engineered ending, I quite enjoyed this film, especially Bette Davis' portrayal of the middle aged career woman.
June Bride is Great Wedding Bells ****
edwagreen25 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
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."
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."
No chemistry and they're both too old
diana-213 June 2010
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?
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?
Dated but highly enjoyable comedy
blanche-229 January 2006
In a unique bit of casting, Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery star in "June Bride," which also stars Fay Bainter, Mary Wickes, Tom Tully, and Barbara Bates. Davis and Montgomery haven't seen each other since he ran from their relationship three years ago, and now he is going to be working for her on the woman's magazine she heads. The two of them, plus Davis' staff, travel to Indiana to cover a wedding. With Montgomery on the story, however, things take a drastic turn.
There are some wonderful scenes in the movie, including Montgomery's hilarious drunk scene and a conversation about a bust which totally confuses the man of the house, played by Tom Tuly. And there's great banter between two pros, Davis and Montgomery. If recollection serves, Davis did not enjoy working with him. The rest of the cast is terrific.
Davis didn't do many comedies, and in a way, it's a shame, because she was always good in them: in "It's Love I'm After," "The Bride Came C.O.D.," and this film, she proved that she was as at home in comedy as she was in drama. Here she looks sophisticated and more glamorous than in many of her later films and expertly underplays the role of a steely professional - a jab instead of a stab, quiet forcefulness rather than shouting. In the '30s, '40s, and '50s, older working women were always portrayed as unmarried, tough, devoted to their careers, and loveless. This dates the film, as does its ending, not revealed in this comment. A saving grace is that the Davis character enjoys male companionship occasionally.
Robert Montgomery is, as usual, excellent, and very funny in the offhanded, smooth way he had. He and Davis play off of one another very well.
Although this is a marvelous film, its message is similar to many - a man should wear the pants and the woman belongs in the kitchen. Sadly, it brings "June Bride" down a few notches in this writer's estimation, but it's still worth seeing.
There are some wonderful scenes in the movie, including Montgomery's hilarious drunk scene and a conversation about a bust which totally confuses the man of the house, played by Tom Tuly. And there's great banter between two pros, Davis and Montgomery. If recollection serves, Davis did not enjoy working with him. The rest of the cast is terrific.
Davis didn't do many comedies, and in a way, it's a shame, because she was always good in them: in "It's Love I'm After," "The Bride Came C.O.D.," and this film, she proved that she was as at home in comedy as she was in drama. Here she looks sophisticated and more glamorous than in many of her later films and expertly underplays the role of a steely professional - a jab instead of a stab, quiet forcefulness rather than shouting. In the '30s, '40s, and '50s, older working women were always portrayed as unmarried, tough, devoted to their careers, and loveless. This dates the film, as does its ending, not revealed in this comment. A saving grace is that the Davis character enjoys male companionship occasionally.
Robert Montgomery is, as usual, excellent, and very funny in the offhanded, smooth way he had. He and Davis play off of one another very well.
Although this is a marvelous film, its message is similar to many - a man should wear the pants and the woman belongs in the kitchen. Sadly, it brings "June Bride" down a few notches in this writer's estimation, but it's still worth seeing.
Has both drawbacks and great moments!
JohnHowardReid7 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Bette Davis (Linda Gilman), Robert Montgomery (Carey Jackson), Fay Bainter (Paul Winthrop), Betty Lynn (Boo Brinker), Tom Tully (Brinker), Barbara Bates (Jeanne Brinker), Jerome Cowan (Carleton Towne), Mary Wickes (Rosemary McNally), James Burke (Luke Potter), Raymond Roe (Bud Mitchell), Marjorie Bennett (Mrs Brinker), Ray Montgomery (Jim Mitchell), George O'Hanlon (Scott Davis), Sandra Gould (Miss Rubens), Esther Howard (Mrs Mitchell), Jessie Adams (Mrs Lace), John Vosper (Stafford), Jack Mower (Varga), Lottie Williams (Woody), Mary Stuart (plane hostess), Ann Kimbell, Barbara Wittlinger (girls on sleigh ride), Raymond Bond (minister), Patricia Northrop, Alice Kelley, Debbie Reynolds (Boo's girlfriends).
Directed by BRETAIGNE WINDUST. Screenplay by Ranald MacDougall. Based on the play Feature for June by Eileen Tighe and Graeme Lorimer. Photographed by Ted McCord. Musical score and direction by David Buttolph. Miss Davis' wardrobe by Edith Head. Art direction by Anton Grot. Edited by Owen Marks. Set decorator: William Wallace. Make-up: Perc Westmore assisted by Eddie Voight. Special effects directed by William McGann, photographed by Hans F. Koenekamp. Curlicue decorations: Harry Platt. Assistant director: Sherry Shourds. Sound recording: Robert B. Lee. Producer: Henry Blanke. Copyright 13 November 1948 by Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. New York opening at the Strand: 29 October 1948. U.S. release: 13 November 1948. U.K. release: 20 June 1949. Australian release: 2 February 1950 (sic). 8,747 feet. 97 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Much to her chagrin, Linda Gilman (Bette Davis), editor of a slick women's magazine, learns from her publisher, Carleton Towne (Jerome Cowan), that Carey Jackson (Robert Montgomery), a wandering war correspondent who once wanted to marry her, has been hired as her assistant. Aware that Carey's anti-feminist ego will make him resign his new job, Linda assigns him to a story she knows he will dislike: accompanying her and a crew to the Brinker home in Indiana where she intends doing a layout for the June issue about a wedding in a typically middle-class home.
NOTES: "Feature for June" was never produced on Broadway.
COMMENT: For all their hot-shot image, showmen tend to be a pretty conservative bunch. Here's Bette Davis making her first comedy for seven years. So what do the showmen/exhibitors do? They run scared. Super-enthusiastic reviews, but how will Mr and Mrs Blow take to Bette in a comic cut-up? Better play safe. Don't risk June Bride on Saturday night.
Maybe the exhibitors were right. Maybe "June Bride" is too clever for the masses. True, the plot is developed in a heavily telegraphed, predictable way, but it's an ingenious premise all the same. And while the acid satire of its opening sequences are not matched in the rest of the movie, the players do keep it interesting right up to the final curtain. All the players (most pointedly Tom Tully) are worth watching, and it's good to see Mary Wickes making the most of the double entendres.
Anton Grot's masterly art direction deserved at least an Oscar nomination — but didn't get one.
OTHER VIEWS: This ingratiating comedy is an obvious variant on The Man Who Came to Dinner. Thanks to a witty script, skillful direction, fine production values and above all a wonderfully agreeable assembly of seasoned players, there's plenty of life in the old farce yet. — G.A.
Bette Davis hated working with Bob Montgomery on "June Bride". She complained that he hogged the camera and crabbed her close-ups. There is certainly no evidence of this in the finished film. If anything, Bette seems to have the best of the lighting and the most of the close-shots. Not that this matters much anyway, as both principals are miscast. Especially Bette. With an unbecoming hair style, dowdy clothes and far too emphatic make-up, she looks a sight; whilst her impassioned acting is far more suited to heavy melodrama than light comedy. At times she seems to be declaiming from some long-outmoded textbook on the Rights of Women.
Surly, boorish Montgomery is only slightly less unattractive. At least his appearance looks more normal and the fact that he seems out of place is at least explained in the script. But his egotistical air, combined with his patent lack of charm, will hardly endear an audience, or warm any viewers to get sympathetically involved in his affairs.
Some of the support players are not over-engaging either. In particular, Betty Lynn.
Although director Windust does his best to keep things moving, what emerges is little more than a photographed stage play. And for all the technical expertise, the comedy for the most part seems forced and artificial. — JHR writing as Tom Howard.
Directed by BRETAIGNE WINDUST. Screenplay by Ranald MacDougall. Based on the play Feature for June by Eileen Tighe and Graeme Lorimer. Photographed by Ted McCord. Musical score and direction by David Buttolph. Miss Davis' wardrobe by Edith Head. Art direction by Anton Grot. Edited by Owen Marks. Set decorator: William Wallace. Make-up: Perc Westmore assisted by Eddie Voight. Special effects directed by William McGann, photographed by Hans F. Koenekamp. Curlicue decorations: Harry Platt. Assistant director: Sherry Shourds. Sound recording: Robert B. Lee. Producer: Henry Blanke. Copyright 13 November 1948 by Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. New York opening at the Strand: 29 October 1948. U.S. release: 13 November 1948. U.K. release: 20 June 1949. Australian release: 2 February 1950 (sic). 8,747 feet. 97 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Much to her chagrin, Linda Gilman (Bette Davis), editor of a slick women's magazine, learns from her publisher, Carleton Towne (Jerome Cowan), that Carey Jackson (Robert Montgomery), a wandering war correspondent who once wanted to marry her, has been hired as her assistant. Aware that Carey's anti-feminist ego will make him resign his new job, Linda assigns him to a story she knows he will dislike: accompanying her and a crew to the Brinker home in Indiana where she intends doing a layout for the June issue about a wedding in a typically middle-class home.
NOTES: "Feature for June" was never produced on Broadway.
COMMENT: For all their hot-shot image, showmen tend to be a pretty conservative bunch. Here's Bette Davis making her first comedy for seven years. So what do the showmen/exhibitors do? They run scared. Super-enthusiastic reviews, but how will Mr and Mrs Blow take to Bette in a comic cut-up? Better play safe. Don't risk June Bride on Saturday night.
Maybe the exhibitors were right. Maybe "June Bride" is too clever for the masses. True, the plot is developed in a heavily telegraphed, predictable way, but it's an ingenious premise all the same. And while the acid satire of its opening sequences are not matched in the rest of the movie, the players do keep it interesting right up to the final curtain. All the players (most pointedly Tom Tully) are worth watching, and it's good to see Mary Wickes making the most of the double entendres.
Anton Grot's masterly art direction deserved at least an Oscar nomination — but didn't get one.
OTHER VIEWS: This ingratiating comedy is an obvious variant on The Man Who Came to Dinner. Thanks to a witty script, skillful direction, fine production values and above all a wonderfully agreeable assembly of seasoned players, there's plenty of life in the old farce yet. — G.A.
Bette Davis hated working with Bob Montgomery on "June Bride". She complained that he hogged the camera and crabbed her close-ups. There is certainly no evidence of this in the finished film. If anything, Bette seems to have the best of the lighting and the most of the close-shots. Not that this matters much anyway, as both principals are miscast. Especially Bette. With an unbecoming hair style, dowdy clothes and far too emphatic make-up, she looks a sight; whilst her impassioned acting is far more suited to heavy melodrama than light comedy. At times she seems to be declaiming from some long-outmoded textbook on the Rights of Women.
Surly, boorish Montgomery is only slightly less unattractive. At least his appearance looks more normal and the fact that he seems out of place is at least explained in the script. But his egotistical air, combined with his patent lack of charm, will hardly endear an audience, or warm any viewers to get sympathetically involved in his affairs.
Some of the support players are not over-engaging either. In particular, Betty Lynn.
Although director Windust does his best to keep things moving, what emerges is little more than a photographed stage play. And for all the technical expertise, the comedy for the most part seems forced and artificial. — JHR writing as Tom Howard.
Kinetic Bob - Dour Bette
wglenn19 November 2004
June Bride has some fine moments, but it never really gets going as a first-rate comedy, mostly because of Bette Davis' stiff and somewhat dour performance. She and Robert Montgomery have very little chemistry. Poor Bob has to do all of the work, which leads to an exaggerated performance at times, but at least he brings some energy to the film and saves it from being a complete disaster. Davis looks like she didn't want to be making the picture. Unlike Stanwyck or Hepburn, she seems incapable of moving back and forth between drama and comedy. If Montgomery had been teamed with one of those two, or with Jean Arthur, Claudette Colbert, or Myrna Loy, this could have been a small classic. The writing is very smart at times, even though the story itself is fairly predictable and a bit too cute. There are some excellent comic moments, including two great ones with Tom Tully's Mr. Brinker. The film has a good pace, apart from Ms. Davis' leaden performance, and the direction is efficient and sensible. Given the number of great comedies from the 30s and 40s one can live without seeing June Bride, but it can suffice in a pinch.
Best "spit take" ever!
mrshvd17 October 2002
This is a delightful film, one of my favorites. There is a brief scene that is not to be missed, between Bette Davis (as Linda), Mary Wickes (as Rosemary) and Tom Tully (as Mr. Brinker), in which Linda and Rosemary are discussing "Mrs. Brinker's bust" as Mr. Brinker looks on. The audience knows what they're talking about, but poor Mr. Brinker does not, and his expressions and reaction are hysterically funny. The whole film is definitely worth seeing. Robert Montgomery drunk on cider is also not to be missed.
Montgomery and sappy script bring down good production
southfljb14 June 2017
June Bride was not a big hit for Warner's at the time. Watching it now it seems no worse than many other films of it's type made during the late 1940's.
The problem with the film is Robert Montgomery who in 1948 is way past his days playing dapper playboys or world weary correspondents. He looks old and tired in the film and he calls in the performance, there is no life to it. His chemistry with Bette is MIA, and poor Bette has to pull him along with both hands and deal with a sad script.
Bette on the other hand looks great and she gives a good performance, again the only thing wrong here is the sappy script. The great supporting cast including Mary Wickes and Faye Bainter are wasted. The film is worth a watch but it is a weak Warner Bros production and Bette's second to last film for the studio.
The problem with the film is Robert Montgomery who in 1948 is way past his days playing dapper playboys or world weary correspondents. He looks old and tired in the film and he calls in the performance, there is no life to it. His chemistry with Bette is MIA, and poor Bette has to pull him along with both hands and deal with a sad script.
Bette on the other hand looks great and she gives a good performance, again the only thing wrong here is the sappy script. The great supporting cast including Mary Wickes and Faye Bainter are wasted. The film is worth a watch but it is a weak Warner Bros production and Bette's second to last film for the studio.
Dated, But Still Quite Amusing
bkoganbing7 March 2009
In her next to last film before leaving Warner Brothers, Bette Davis shucked all those heavy dramas, some of her most recent ones among her worst films, for a light comedy in June Bride. Bette was not the June Bride of the film, in fact just who does become the bride is part of the story.
The part of career woman Linda Gilman who edits a women's magazine is the kind of part Rosalind Russell was making a career of playing. The film would have been a classic had Russell done this part. Still Bette is capable of breaking casting barriers and she gives it her best. I've a feeling she probably was glad for the change of pace.
Her leading man is an old hand at these kind of films. Robert Montgomery who played many a dapper fellow in light comedies at MGM in the Thirties is teamed with Davis and while it's an odd mix, they do create a few sparks. Montgomery had started doing some more serious stuff before World War II. After World War II he did some heavy dramas like They Were Expendable, Lady In The Lake, and Ride The Pink Horse. This film was a return to his roots.
Montgomery is a famous correspondent who's called home by the head of his publication conglomerate, Jerome Cowan whose portrayal seems to be modeled on Henry Luce. Cowan's got a sense of humor, he puts Montgomery to work for old flame Davis who's just been made editor of his woman's publication.
Her assignment for Montgomery is to write the feature story of a typical mid west wedding in small town Indiana of a young couple randomly selected. The arrival of Davis, Montgomery and a host of magazine employees disrupts this poor family's life and rearranges things for everyone. Some of that is Montgomery's own deliberate doing as he's trying to rekindle a flame or two from his own past.
Though the references in the past from McKinley to Truman date the film somewhat it could probably be remade today. The comedic situations about wedding jitters are certainly eternal and men like Montgomery still pursue women like Davis with zest and abandon.
The part of career woman Linda Gilman who edits a women's magazine is the kind of part Rosalind Russell was making a career of playing. The film would have been a classic had Russell done this part. Still Bette is capable of breaking casting barriers and she gives it her best. I've a feeling she probably was glad for the change of pace.
Her leading man is an old hand at these kind of films. Robert Montgomery who played many a dapper fellow in light comedies at MGM in the Thirties is teamed with Davis and while it's an odd mix, they do create a few sparks. Montgomery had started doing some more serious stuff before World War II. After World War II he did some heavy dramas like They Were Expendable, Lady In The Lake, and Ride The Pink Horse. This film was a return to his roots.
Montgomery is a famous correspondent who's called home by the head of his publication conglomerate, Jerome Cowan whose portrayal seems to be modeled on Henry Luce. Cowan's got a sense of humor, he puts Montgomery to work for old flame Davis who's just been made editor of his woman's publication.
Her assignment for Montgomery is to write the feature story of a typical mid west wedding in small town Indiana of a young couple randomly selected. The arrival of Davis, Montgomery and a host of magazine employees disrupts this poor family's life and rearranges things for everyone. Some of that is Montgomery's own deliberate doing as he's trying to rekindle a flame or two from his own past.
Though the references in the past from McKinley to Truman date the film somewhat it could probably be remade today. The comedic situations about wedding jitters are certainly eternal and men like Montgomery still pursue women like Davis with zest and abandon.
Comedy doesn't associate with Bette Davis....
zeula17 October 2002
I was looking forward to this movie..... Since, I heard all the praise on this site..... Needless to say, I was disappointed, and I think it was because I had expectation in Bette Davis's acting, and even though this is the first comedy, I've seen her in...... I thought, she could pull it off...... Throughout the movie, Bette acts as though she was in a drama, instead of a comedy..... She says her lines, in absolute witless, and charmless style...... Instead, in a serious, grouchy kind of manner...... (which is her usual style) Overall, Bette's acting was too serious, and her face was hardened most of the time...... She could've eased up a lot...... I have heard comments, that say neither Bette Davis, or Joan Crawford could do comedy...... Believe me, Joan Crawford apparently, has more comedic talent than Bette Davis...... Joan may not be the best comedy actress, but she does displays charm, and wittiness fairly well in her comedic roles....... Robert Montgomery did well, and provided most (all) of the charm, and humor in this movie, next to the stoned Bette Davis...... Their chemistry together was okay...... Though, I must admit, they appear rather odd as a couple...... I think, we'll all prefer that Bette sticks to her dramatic roots......
One Of Bette's Best Comedies
journeygal4 August 2019
Bette was 40 here and she never looked more lovely. The storyline was great and I literally laughed out loud several times.. Linda Gilman (Bette) and Carey Jackson (Robert Montgomery) are writers who have a past together, but he left her in the lurch, preferring the excitement of travel. She's now an editor at a magazine, he's a writer in need of work. In the dead of winter they're headed to Indiana, to do a June Bride story about Jean Brinker and Bud Mitchell. The fact is that Jean's sister Barbara has been in love with Bud for years, and Jean is actually in love with Bud's brother Jim. A nice fun tangled web that of course is untangled by the end.
Magazine Folk Descend on an Indiana Family for a wedding story
chowse117 March 2008
Coming just before the blockbuster ALL ABOUT EVE this little gem shows another comedic side of Bette Davis without going over the top. She's harried and trying to be pleasant to all including an old flame who shows up inconveniently. In a sense, it's the classic tale of the rubes versus the swells but gently and sympathetically told. Robert Montgomery matches Miss Davis sarcasm for sarcasm and the always welcome Mary Wickes rides herd on the various bickering characters. When she refers to the home they're to use as a "McKinley horror" one knows that all are in for more than a little restoration. If it won't have you rolling in the aisles, it's consistently amusing. An able cast of primarily character actors contribute their very really talents (Tom Tully and Faye Bainter are real and whimsical at the same time.) and the basic love story that drives the action isn't much to concern the viewer. If the rural nature gets pushed a bit too far it works well within the context of the plot. And this marks Miss Davis' second trip while ice skating, indeed there are moments when her character, Linda, is more than suggestive of her role in The Man Who Came to Dinner.
A pleasant time for all with a friendly cast who try, and succeed, to find as much in the diverting material as there is.
A pleasant time for all with a friendly cast who try, and succeed, to find as much in the diverting material as there is.
A great film except for that last moment..
Mister8tch30 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
June Bride is a tender and affectionate romantic comedy, whose shape is taken from a broken relationship of two hard working professionals who could not make it work years earlier, but somehow find that their love never really died. The plot pushes them together when writer Montgomery gets called back from his European assignment, to either take up writing for his ex-girlfriend, now a powerful editor of a sister publication, or get fired.
The complications that ensue from this set up are delightful. Montgomery, in his always droll fashion, makes the most of his comedic moments and Davis matches him.
Of course, we know this once passionate couple will be thrown together, the backdrop of a teen wedding playing as subtext. But when Davis finds she really does love this guy, rushes back to NY to tell her editor (played by that lawyer who wanted to send Santa Claus to jail in Miracle on 34th St), only to find him in the office listening to her resignation speech, just misses the mark. The scene, played by two strong and assertive individuals, gets reduced to Davis relinquishing her autonomy and nearly kneeling at Montgomery's feet, when he pleads that he has to be the one who "wears the pants in the family." It's a ludicrous, sexist ending, one that does not even give the audience a satisfying ending embrace.
The two stars have a great chemistry and match wits in many scenes. The supporting cast is uniformly excellent. The movie is quite wonderful, right up till the end!
The complications that ensue from this set up are delightful. Montgomery, in his always droll fashion, makes the most of his comedic moments and Davis matches him.
Of course, we know this once passionate couple will be thrown together, the backdrop of a teen wedding playing as subtext. But when Davis finds she really does love this guy, rushes back to NY to tell her editor (played by that lawyer who wanted to send Santa Claus to jail in Miracle on 34th St), only to find him in the office listening to her resignation speech, just misses the mark. The scene, played by two strong and assertive individuals, gets reduced to Davis relinquishing her autonomy and nearly kneeling at Montgomery's feet, when he pleads that he has to be the one who "wears the pants in the family." It's a ludicrous, sexist ending, one that does not even give the audience a satisfying ending embrace.
The two stars have a great chemistry and match wits in many scenes. The supporting cast is uniformly excellent. The movie is quite wonderful, right up till the end!
Typical of time when movies were fun; characters had fun.
amctcm6 January 2000
As a former midwesterner who's lived most of her life in CA, I love movies where the "city slickers" come into town like snobs and ridicule the midwest. Robert M. and Bette D. play their roles well as people who "get their comeuppance" and are good-natured about it. I know a few people who have never left the big city (usually NY) or its environs and have no idea that there are some wonderful people "out there."
None of the psychological claptrap here...relax and enjoy!
None of the psychological claptrap here...relax and enjoy!
i love this for no great explainable reason
mjd-472085 December 2021
I have favorite Bette Davis performances and favorite Bette Davis movies, and they list doesn't always overlap. This falls into the latter category - not Bette's greatest turn on the screen, but this is a movie I can watch over and over and giggle for reasons I'm unable to fully comprehend. Robert Montgomery has a hilarious cider drinking scene that continues to make me laugh out loud and it's fun seeing Bette in something not so serious.
I watch this movie at least once a year and I can't critique my way to explaining why -- to put it simply, I just love it and I don't want to ruin it by overthinking why.
I watch this movie at least once a year and I can't critique my way to explaining why -- to put it simply, I just love it and I don't want to ruin it by overthinking why.
Bette Davis is excellent in comedy roles
jromanbaker6 February 2022
I have just lost a review I have just written about this film, so I will attempt to recapture some of it. Bette Davis looks elegant and beautiful in this fluffy comedy and it is her delivery of sometimes very witty lines that makes this scenario work so well. She is the editor of a magazine, strong willed and good at her job and as she says in one scene not short on male company. Then an ex-lover needs a job and reluctantly accepts to work for her. Despite my not liking much Robert Montgomery as an actor he delivers well and with near equal wit, but it is Davis who rules. That is until the final scene which I found threw away a lot of what went before, and my reaction to it is so strong that I have to give this film a 7 and not a 9 which I would have liked. No spoilers except to say Davis and her co-workers go to a small town far from New York to cover the ' story ' of a June bride wedding. The twists and turns here are well directed and well acted by all. Fay Bainter stands out, as Davis's female assistant and Tom Tully is excellent as the father of the bride. I could name them all, and there is not a trace of bad or poor acting anywhere. Some critics consider it as a minor Davis film but I disagree. As if rehearsing for ' All About Eve ' to come two years later it just shows that with good direction and fine acting no film is minor. Pity about the final scene and in my opinion another kind of scenario could have been written. But then the roles of women, especially forceful ones were perhaps unable to totally succeed and win alongside men back in 1948. Not in Hollywood anyway.
successful career woman chucks it all to marry a frog.... who's no prince
crispy_comments3 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Despite some humorous banter and a decent supporting cast, I can't really recommend this movie. The leads aren't very likable and I didn't particularly care if they got together in the end. I certainly didn't like the *way* they got together, with Bette Davis giving up her career to be the supportive wife & luggage-carrier for world-traveler Robert Montgomery.
It's depressing to see films like this where strong, intelligent women are brought down so low, forced to beg the men who wronged *them* to take them back. Of course it's always the woman who has to change *her* ways, and turn off her brain. Ugh. Even the minor female characters are regretful spinsters, emphasizing this film's awful message - that all women really want to get married, and having a career is a poor substitute.
By the way, I took an instant dislike to Montgomery when I first saw him in "Mr. And Mrs. Smith", and his performance in "June Bride" did nothing to alter my opinion. Did he *always* play a smug, sexist jerk who thinks he's God's gift to women (despite looking like a friggin' frog)? So irritating to watch.
It's depressing to see films like this where strong, intelligent women are brought down so low, forced to beg the men who wronged *them* to take them back. Of course it's always the woman who has to change *her* ways, and turn off her brain. Ugh. Even the minor female characters are regretful spinsters, emphasizing this film's awful message - that all women really want to get married, and having a career is a poor substitute.
By the way, I took an instant dislike to Montgomery when I first saw him in "Mr. And Mrs. Smith", and his performance in "June Bride" did nothing to alter my opinion. Did he *always* play a smug, sexist jerk who thinks he's God's gift to women (despite looking like a friggin' frog)? So irritating to watch.
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