Bridal Suite (1939)

The basic plot of this MGM light romantic comedy concerns the question of whether the right woman can tame playboy Neil McGill(Robert Young), and induce him to settle down to a productive career, preferably within his father's nation-spanning company, so that he might some day take over his father's place.Clearly Neil isn't excited enough over his girlfriend(Virginia Field, as Abbie Bragdon)to make him give up his carefree rich bachelor life. Twice, he's stood her up by 'forgetting' his wedding day. One gets the impression that Abbie is his parent's choice, probably for political reasons. She's certainly not bad looking, but Neil apparently is used to more glamorous prospects. Neil's mother, played by Billie Burke, decides to take him to a famous psychiatrist in Switzerland to check for periodic amnesia, not realizing the real reason for Neil's habitual tardiness to his wedding. In Switzerland, as soon as he steps off the train, he meets the girl he has dreamed of, as his porter! She also has several other jobs and interests, making for a full life, in contrast to Neil's mostly empty life. Nonetheless, she's Immediately attracted to him. He tells her he's doing 'research'. They frolic a bit, but she learns about Abbie, who still has hopes of marrying Neil. Neil tells her that he is through with Abbie, and she seems satisfied. They take a climb up a fake snowy mountain, Neil neither wearing hat nor gloves. They get to know each other better on a treacherous ledge, with the doctor in between. Later, Neil's mother decides the psychiatrist has had enough time to study Neil, and buys a ticket home. Strangely, Abbie and her father are also on the boat, and Neil is shocked that she plans their wedding on the ship. Neil is greatly elated that Luise is on the ship. He plans a switcheroo in the bride, against the wishes of the others.Very familiar Gene Lockhart makes an authoritative father figure... Billie Burke was a definite plus, exhibiting her usual excited squeaky voice, stealing every scene she was in, which was quite a few. She would soon be cast as the good witch, in "The Wizard of Oz"... Anabella made a beautiful and winsome girlfriend in one of her relatively few films in English. Otherwise, she was cast in French or other European films. Her time at Hollywood failed to tap her diverse potential. She seemed to play the zither when she sang "When I Gave My Smile to You", first alone, in French; later, in French and English, partially with Young. Robert Young is the weakest link in this screenplay. He lacked the looks and charisma of someone equal in these respects to Annabella. Tyrone Power filled these requirements in Annabella's mind, and they would soon marry. We don't know whether Neil would fulfill his promise to knuckle down at a challenging job. Annabella is taking a big risk.

Neil McGill (Robert Young) is a very spoiled son of a rich man. For the second time, he's missed his wedding with Abbie. Although he claims to love the woman, it's certainly not apparent. But his dippy mother (Billie Burke) wants to try to salvage the relationship and insists on taking Neil to Europe to get a note from a famous psychiatrist that says Neil was suffering from amnesia! However, some unexpected things happen...such as his falling in love with a poor lady (Annabella) as well as wanting to finally make something of himself.This is a modestly interesting story. However, it's also a bit of a hard sell because through so much of the story Neil is unlikable and a bit of a spoiled jerk. Had be been less dislikable the story would have worked a bit better.

MGM B-movie with a lively cast, but more entertaining than amusing. The 70- minutes has elements of screwball comedy, popular at the time. However, the Young- Annabella pairing proves more likable than funny. Contrast this with the Grant-Hepburn pairing in Bringing up Baby (1938). The differential may well be due to the directors: the legendary Hawks in the latter, a relative unknown Thiele in the former. In short, the actors sparkle here, but there's little overall synergy that would build chuckles instead of spreading them out.Young plays a rich man's wastrel son who likes binges better than his wedding day, which he has drunkenly forgotten. As a result, his fed-up dad (Lockhart) disowns him, while a desperate mom (Barnes) sends him to Switzerland for analysis and therapy. There, he meets charming hotel worker (Annabella) and tries to seduce her. She's tempted but senses his irresponsible nature. The question is whether he will ever change his worthless ways.I agree with others-- the phony mountain sets are nevertheless both impressive and scary. But then, MGM didn't skimp, even with programmers. Note too, that there's a class element underlying the plot. The script makes clear that Young's character is deformed by an easy life of family wealth, while Annabella's solid values are rooted in a strong work ethic. And catch that episode aboard ship, where a richly attired Young strays into steerage only to get roughed up by working class men. After all, it is 1939 and class issues are a lively concern.All in all, it's an unexceptional 70-minutes, most notable for a lively and colorful cast.

Before the paternalism and the pipe, Robert Young played charming, rich wastrels and heavy-drinking womanizers, all charming and sympathetic. MGM put him in quality B+ productions of which this is one, a light romantic comedy that borders on screwball with Young the screwy one. He is in top form, as is the entire excellent cast. MGM's typical blitheful avoidance of little old WWII, alluded to twice in jest, as the setting shifts from wartime England to Switzerland to transatlantic liner is a big downer. That and supposed-to-be-funny-but-never-is Arthur Treacher in a small role. Oh, and the whole lame and overworked premise that honest work will cure Young of his scalawag ways, though it provides Annabella material for her one and only laugh in the finale. It's big enough to keep you happily laughing as the end credits appear.Incidentally, how many movie feature musical numbers with zithers. The Third Man, of course, and Sunnyside Up with Janet Gaynor (an extremely great movie musical moment) and this movie (not so memorable).