Brides Are Like That

Light weight comedy by Warner Brothes (WB) featuring second tier Stars ROSS Alexander and ANITA LOUISE. Those two (2) form the romantic lead couple. They are supported by 'Character Actors' whose shtick in these films is standard for the time. The sole interesting note is the film featured Husband and Wife, GENE & KATHLEEN LOCKHART, yes JUNE's Parents.

Independent Spirit Bill McAllister (ROSS) loves Hazel Robinson (LOUISE) vying for her affection with Dr. Randolf Jenkins (DICK PURCELL). Both his Uncle and her Parents object. Why, because he has no hook to hang his hat on and no prospects of getting one. That does not stop Hazel though and the triumph of their inevitable marriage is a fantasy that only could occur in the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood. Want the details, watch the film. It is only 67" long.

ROSS Alexander a couple years earlier was being brought up through the WB star system. By 1936 and the BRIDES ARE LIKE THAT he had been regulated to the second tier. ROSS's style was reminiscent of WILLIAM HAINES, late of MGM. The irresponsible 'Gay Blade' who by 'pluck & luck' overcomes all obstacles and triumphs by the end of the last reel. MR. HAINES was forced out of the business because of his homosexuality, but became a successful interior decorator. MR. ROSS could not handle the failing of his career and personal life. On January 02, 1937 decided the rest of the year and his life were not worth viewing. Lead poisoning too his temple solved his conflict.

The title of Brides Are Like That is a misleading one since the plot of the film turns on the behavior of the potential groom Ross Alexander. Potential bride Anita Louise is expecting certain behaviors out of Ross that he seems incapable of fulfilling.

Louise's parents are Gene and Kathleen Lockhart and Gene is acting in the typical Eugene Palette way with concern about his daughter getting hooked up with a bum. It bothers Joseph Cawthorn who is Alexander's uncle and only relative that the young man won't just go out and work and give up his Bohemian ways. Remember this is the Great Depression and attitudes like that are understandable.

In these Thirties comedies there is always a Ralph Bellamy part and in this case it's played by Dick Purcell. Someone halfway decent definitely could have taken Louise away from Alexander, but Purcell is such a sanctimonious drip that no wonder she prefers Alexander to him.

The main fault with Brides Are Like That is Alexander's character is just a little too Bohemian. And I can't believe there wasn't another alternative out there than Purcell.

Still the film has its amusing moments, mostly provided by Dick Purcell.

Hazel (Anita Louise) has two men who want to marry her. Randolph is a doctor...and very reliable...but also about as much fun and interesting as a ball of lint. In contrast, Bill is fun and unpredictable...but also incredibly lazy and undisciplined. For some odd reason, Hazel thinks she has to choose between them...and she chooses Bill. As for Bill, he's about as mature as an 8 year-old...and is constantly talking. I personally wanted to punch Bill in the beezer!

So is this film any good? Not really. Bill is simply annoying and you cannot understand why Hazel would want him. And, by the end of the film, you're left thinking this as well! Overall, a weird and unsatisfying film....one that seemed incomplete and one in which Bill learned absolutely nothing...except how to use people and annoy them.

I have a number of problems with this picture. There is a certain weary sameness in the way everyone speaks their lines; it's not just the high-speed Warner-B style of declamation. Almost every line is spoken with anger or dislike. Even Gene and Kathleen Lockhart are annoyingly strident. Only Joseph Cawthorn, doing his usual double talk is at all amusing.

The real obstacle is Ross Alexander in the lead, who only seems to have one register: simultaneously bluff and arrogant, always on in big and small scenes.

That said, there is some good writing here, some amusing lines and some well-constructed speeches, but director William McGann doesn't seem to do much with them. The camera-work and editing are, as usual, topnotch. The net effect is passable, but in the hands of better players -- or perhaps simply a better director -- it could have been so much more.

Charming, college-educated Ross Alexander (as Bill McAllister) has everything going for him except a job. His wealthy uncle Joseph Cawthorn (as Fred Schultz) likes his only heir, but is tired of paying Mr. Alexander's bills. When Alexander charges an expensive engagement ring to his account, tongue-tied Uncle Cawthorn cuts him off. The ring is for pretty blonde Anita Louise (as Hazel Robinson), but she has an offer from another suitor; responsible Richard "Dick" Purcell (as Randolph "Doc" Jenkins) is also preferred by Ms. Louise's parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart (as John "Jackie Boy" and Ella Robinson)...

Alexander decides to use flattery to his advantage...

What makes this fine adaptation of Barry Conners' Broadway success "Applesauce" (1925) work so well is the use of flattery for something not as sinister as the clever trickster in Aesop's fables; with an especially engaging performance, a smooth-talking Alexander keeps you on his side. The empathetic moment when Alexander seems to accept his loss, and pauses outside her home, is a highlight. Louise is irresistible, with her eavesdropping and next scene with Alexander very well-played. Support from others is excellent, and you get a chance to see future favorite June Lockhart's parents acting together (as Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson).

******** Brides Are Like That (3/22/36) William McGann ~ Ross Alexander, Anita Louise, Joseph Cawthorn, Gene Lockhart