I might be considered biased in my view because my twin brother Don and I played the baby in Bundle of Joy. We were only a year old, and lived in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A. when we were picked out of approximately 200 sets of twin boys to be the baby in the movie. Over the years, I have heard my mom and other relatives tell many stories of the filming of this movie, and being VIP guests at the premier movie opening in Hollywood. I have, of course, seen the movie countless times over the years, and still like to watch it and laugh at the cute smiling babies we once were. My mom had to be on the set with us whenever we were filming, by state law. She has told us that Debbie Reynolds was a truely remarkable actress and treated us extremely well. Adolphe Menjou treated us like his own grand kids. Unfortunately, she also said that not everyone in the movie industry was so nice, and our parents decided not to sign a contract with RKO Pictures which would have allowed us to be in more films. Oh well, our short movie career aside, we both have grown up and are very happy in our own careers. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes light-hearted films with happy endings!
45 Reviews
Too Cute for Comfort
wes-connors14 May 2011
During the merry Christmas season, perky department store salesgirl Debbie Reynolds (as Polly Parish) is fired because so many of her customers return their ware. She passes an orphanage and picks up a cute baby. Everyone assumes Ms. Reynolds is the baby's mother. This helps Reynolds get her job back, from singing store owner's son Eddie Fisher (as Dan Merlin), who also gives Reynolds a raise. Soon, the handsome crooner is harmonizing with the cute clerk. This musical re-make of "Bachelor Mother" (1939) is fairly well-suited to the real-life married couple, who simultaneously produced their own "Bundle of Joy" (Carrie Fisher)...
A major recording star upon the film's release, Mr. Fisher was so popular he survived the initial onslaught of "rock and roll" - but was about to fall. Fisher last hit the "Top Ten" in 1956. It didn't help that "Bundle of Joy" was lacking in hit single material, with Fisher's "Some Day Soon" barely cracking the record charts in early 1957. Reynolds was a much better actress, and reached her greatest popularity after she and Fisher divorced. Unfortunately, this is it for the popular twosome's musical comedy film career. They look good and sing sweetly together - their "Lullaby in Blue" sung to their "Pretty Baby" was brimming with potential.
******** Bundle of Joy (12/12/56) Norman Taurog ~ Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Tommy Noonan, Adolphe Menjou
A major recording star upon the film's release, Mr. Fisher was so popular he survived the initial onslaught of "rock and roll" - but was about to fall. Fisher last hit the "Top Ten" in 1956. It didn't help that "Bundle of Joy" was lacking in hit single material, with Fisher's "Some Day Soon" barely cracking the record charts in early 1957. Reynolds was a much better actress, and reached her greatest popularity after she and Fisher divorced. Unfortunately, this is it for the popular twosome's musical comedy film career. They look good and sing sweetly together - their "Lullaby in Blue" sung to their "Pretty Baby" was brimming with potential.
******** Bundle of Joy (12/12/56) Norman Taurog ~ Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Tommy Noonan, Adolphe Menjou
musical remake of 'bachelor mother.' Debbie Reynolds shines; Eddie fisher flops
gaynor.wild25 December 2007
"Bachelor Mother" was a delightful movie, but one can imagine why a musical, in color, remake would crop up. Debbie Reynolds as Polly Parrish was a good choice, and wound up carrying the movie. Eddie Fisher, as the junior Merlin, was not such a good choice. Many other actors at the time would have been far better. Had someone like Donald O'Connor had the role, it could have been an unmitigated success. Too bad Fisher got the job.
Overall, the movie is delightful. The basic plot, of a sales clerk in a large department store who winds up with a baby that's not hers, but that no one believes is not hers, is an excellent set-up for comedy. This one does a good job. "Bachelor Mother" does a better job. And an even better one may pop up in the future.
gaynor wild
Overall, the movie is delightful. The basic plot, of a sales clerk in a large department store who winds up with a baby that's not hers, but that no one believes is not hers, is an excellent set-up for comedy. This one does a good job. "Bachelor Mother" does a better job. And an even better one may pop up in the future.
gaynor wild
Debbie Does It All!
Don Lock25 October 1998
Many times have I wondered what Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher were like in their careers (I'm a Star Wars buff). I finally sat down and saw this film. I must say that after watching, I just loved it and wanted more. Since then Debbie Reynolds has become my favorite actress ever. After seeing this I raced to my mother for more info. and she told me of the trouble that followed. I was severely disappointed, because the chemistry in this film was superb. Among the highlights is Debbie's ability to use her magnificent talent to use subtle face gestures to get across the idea of what she is thinking. Eddie was less so, but did an average job. But after hearing the truth, everytime I re-watch this film, I can't help but imagine Eddie with horns on his head or a dunce cap a mile tall. Debbie's charm is the main reason to see this film. She steals the show, the script, the clothes, and anything else she touches. The back-up roles are performed well. This is a remake of the earlier film, "Bachelor Mother." If anyone but Debbie were in the lead, this movie would stink, but it gets a solid 3 stars from me (out of 4).
Debbie Goes With The Flow
bkoganbing27 December 2008
Bundle Of Joy was a musical remake of one of RKO Studio's brightest comedy hits from it's hey day, Bachelor Mother. Taking the roles that Ginger Rogers and David Niven had back in 1939 are the Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston of 1956, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.
Reynolds was an established musical star who was loaned out from MGM to RKO in the studio's waning days for this film. Someone decided that putting Reynolds together with her husband, pop singing star Eddie Fisher was a natural.
If musicals were still in vogue, this could have for Eddie Fisher been something like Higher and Higher was for Frank Sinatra which incidentally was also an RKO film. Bundle of Joy alas was not given any songs as good as what Sinatra had in Higher and Higher.
Frank's role there did not call for any great acting and neither does Fisher's here. Eddie's a likable enough fellow, the son of the head of a department store who has the idea that Reynolds is an unwed mother.
How he got that idea? Like in Bachelor Mother where Ginger Rogers did the same thing, Reynolds is on her lunch break and sees an abandoned baby on the steps of a foundling home. Taking such pity on it, she takes it with her. Probably this being Christmas time definitely helped in the sentiment department.
Before long everyone just assumes it's her kid, no matter what she says and does so she has to go with the flow.
RKO did give Eddie and Debbie a nice supporting cast that includes Adolphe Menjou as his father and Una Merkel as her landlady. Tommy Noonan almost steals the film as Debbie's officious co-worker.
Bundle Of Joy is a good enough film to spend some time during the holiday season watching. Which I did and am not sorrier for the experience.
Reynolds was an established musical star who was loaned out from MGM to RKO in the studio's waning days for this film. Someone decided that putting Reynolds together with her husband, pop singing star Eddie Fisher was a natural.
If musicals were still in vogue, this could have for Eddie Fisher been something like Higher and Higher was for Frank Sinatra which incidentally was also an RKO film. Bundle of Joy alas was not given any songs as good as what Sinatra had in Higher and Higher.
Frank's role there did not call for any great acting and neither does Fisher's here. Eddie's a likable enough fellow, the son of the head of a department store who has the idea that Reynolds is an unwed mother.
How he got that idea? Like in Bachelor Mother where Ginger Rogers did the same thing, Reynolds is on her lunch break and sees an abandoned baby on the steps of a foundling home. Taking such pity on it, she takes it with her. Probably this being Christmas time definitely helped in the sentiment department.
Before long everyone just assumes it's her kid, no matter what she says and does so she has to go with the flow.
RKO did give Eddie and Debbie a nice supporting cast that includes Adolphe Menjou as his father and Una Merkel as her landlady. Tommy Noonan almost steals the film as Debbie's officious co-worker.
Bundle Of Joy is a good enough film to spend some time during the holiday season watching. Which I did and am not sorrier for the experience.
This film is a wreck!
AlsExGal24 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Debbie Reynolds is the best thing about this musical remake of "Bachelor Mother", made in 1939 with Ginger Rogers in the part of the woman everybody thinks has an out of wedlock baby and with David Niven as her love interest. It was probably made the way it was since Debbie -as the suspected mother - and Eddie Fisher - as the love interest in this film - were recently married. At that time, Eddie Fisher was a tremendously popular singer, however, he just doesn't have the acting chops. To tell you the truth if I looked at both versions and you asked me who was married in real life, if I didn't know the truth, I would claim Ginger and David were rather than Debbie and Eddie. The original leads just had more chemistry.
Watch for Debbie doing the jitterbug number and being bounced all over the place. She actually was pregnant during filming and that is Carrie Fisher being given the shake and bake treatment.
I will give this film a bit of a break because by 1956 RKO was going down the tubes thanks to the antics of Howard Hughes. Watch it for Debbie Reynolds who always puts in a good performance and for the novelty of seeing Debbie and Eddie together in a film. Just don't get your hopes up.
Watch for Debbie doing the jitterbug number and being bounced all over the place. She actually was pregnant during filming and that is Carrie Fisher being given the shake and bake treatment.
I will give this film a bit of a break because by 1956 RKO was going down the tubes thanks to the antics of Howard Hughes. Watch it for Debbie Reynolds who always puts in a good performance and for the novelty of seeing Debbie and Eddie together in a film. Just don't get your hopes up.
Pleasant enough Christmas-themed confection...
moonspinner559 December 2013
Glossy and tuneful--if terribly contrived--remake of a just-adequate Ginger Rogers comedy from 1939 ("Bachelor Mother", itself a reworking of "Little Mother" from 1935). Salesgirl, fired at Christmastime from her department store job for "over-selling", finds an abandoned baby on the steps outside a foundlings home but can't get anyone to believe the child isn't really hers. The spotlight this time is equally on Debbie Reynolds (doing sprightly, decent work as the bachelor mother) and then-husband Eddie Fisher (leering at the camera while playing a singing junior-executive). Supporting roles are colorfully filled, production and song numbers are decent, though the script lands us smack in the middle of Risqué 101, with misunderstandings "Three's Company" would envy (She has a baby but not a husband?! And who's the father?). Worth-seeing for Debbie, who sings and dances--and rolls her eyes with expert exaggeration when it's time to change a diaper. **1/2 from ****
Great example of remakes that never should have been
krdement14 July 2007
This film is strictly for fans of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher.
I get angry at TCM for showing this mess more frequently than Bachelor Mother, the delightful original. I get angrier still that some Hollywood boob thought it would be a good idea to remake Bachelor Mother, filling it with some lame songs that only serve to interrupt the flow of a cute comedy. Instead, Hollywood could have spent the time, money, energy and talent wasted on this horrible remake to give us something new and original - Wow, what a concept!
Bachelor Mother (the original), with Ginger Rogers and David Niven is a spicy stew, simmering with sexuality. It is a 1930's wink at the Hays Office. Bundle of Joy (the remake), with Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher is strictly milk and cookies. It is a 1950's handshake with Eisenhower.
Which cast would you rather watch - Debbie Reynolds, Eddie Fisher and Adolphe Menjou, or Ginger Rogers, David Niven and Charles Coburn? For me, every member of the cast in the original version is far better than his/her counterpart in the remake.
In the original a beautiful, young Ginger Rogers is at her peak. David Niven delivers perfectly as a somewhat spoiled, sophisticated and yet befuddled scion of a wealthy department store magnate. And I always love to see Charles Coburn in a movie. In Bachelor Mother, he is priceless as the desperate grandfather wannabe.
In Bundle of Joy Debbie Reynolds is her usual perky self. She is fine in this role, although her performance (along with Fisher's) completely changes the tone of the story. As an actor, Eddie Fisher is hopeless. He is completely lacking in screen "presence." Here he is way too wholesome for this story. His acting is completely bland and clueless. Likewise, his singing is so bland and unremarkable that it has been completely forgotten by the world at large. The only time he is not completely painful is in Butterfield 8 - where, incidentally, he doesn't sing. Here, Fisher's lame performance alone is enough to ruin this movie. Adolphe Menjou, a favorite character actor, delivers a competent performance, but not one of his best. He is more blustering than commanding. He and Fisher are not convincing as a father and son.
Do you see a musical for the music, the story being merely incidental? Or do watch a musical for a story, with some (hopefullly) good music used for seasoning? If the former, you might like this lame remake. Otherwise you are much better off watching the Ginger Rogers non-musical original, Bachelor Mother.
I get angry at TCM for showing this mess more frequently than Bachelor Mother, the delightful original. I get angrier still that some Hollywood boob thought it would be a good idea to remake Bachelor Mother, filling it with some lame songs that only serve to interrupt the flow of a cute comedy. Instead, Hollywood could have spent the time, money, energy and talent wasted on this horrible remake to give us something new and original - Wow, what a concept!
Bachelor Mother (the original), with Ginger Rogers and David Niven is a spicy stew, simmering with sexuality. It is a 1930's wink at the Hays Office. Bundle of Joy (the remake), with Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher is strictly milk and cookies. It is a 1950's handshake with Eisenhower.
Which cast would you rather watch - Debbie Reynolds, Eddie Fisher and Adolphe Menjou, or Ginger Rogers, David Niven and Charles Coburn? For me, every member of the cast in the original version is far better than his/her counterpart in the remake.
In the original a beautiful, young Ginger Rogers is at her peak. David Niven delivers perfectly as a somewhat spoiled, sophisticated and yet befuddled scion of a wealthy department store magnate. And I always love to see Charles Coburn in a movie. In Bachelor Mother, he is priceless as the desperate grandfather wannabe.
In Bundle of Joy Debbie Reynolds is her usual perky self. She is fine in this role, although her performance (along with Fisher's) completely changes the tone of the story. As an actor, Eddie Fisher is hopeless. He is completely lacking in screen "presence." Here he is way too wholesome for this story. His acting is completely bland and clueless. Likewise, his singing is so bland and unremarkable that it has been completely forgotten by the world at large. The only time he is not completely painful is in Butterfield 8 - where, incidentally, he doesn't sing. Here, Fisher's lame performance alone is enough to ruin this movie. Adolphe Menjou, a favorite character actor, delivers a competent performance, but not one of his best. He is more blustering than commanding. He and Fisher are not convincing as a father and son.
Do you see a musical for the music, the story being merely incidental? Or do watch a musical for a story, with some (hopefullly) good music used for seasoning? If the former, you might like this lame remake. Otherwise you are much better off watching the Ginger Rogers non-musical original, Bachelor Mother.
A Bundle of Possibilities
arieliondotcom14 December 2007
You've got to take this movie for what it is. A musical. What was interesting to me was seeing Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher together in the height of their relationship. It's a bit dated, but still has catchy tunes (I especially liked Fisher's "Someday Soon"...but I'm a bachelor so maybe I'm prejudiced).
How ironic, though, to see these two who had so many possibilities playing a couple in love when they were in love themselves. Yes, there's chemistry, but they should show this movie to potential drug addicts and drunks to warn them about what Eddie Fisher could have been and what his self-admitted dependencies made him become.
There was so much the two of them had and could have had, Eddie and Debbie,and so much they lost because of his weakness of character. Sad.
A bittersweet story, not in the plot, but in the shadow of reality cast over it by their true life stories. Still worth seeing and hearing, though.
How ironic, though, to see these two who had so many possibilities playing a couple in love when they were in love themselves. Yes, there's chemistry, but they should show this movie to potential drug addicts and drunks to warn them about what Eddie Fisher could have been and what his self-admitted dependencies made him become.
There was so much the two of them had and could have had, Eddie and Debbie,and so much they lost because of his weakness of character. Sad.
A bittersweet story, not in the plot, but in the shadow of reality cast over it by their true life stories. Still worth seeing and hearing, though.
Eddie Fisher's Charm Not at All Evident
LeonardKniffel28 April 2020
This musical remake of "Bachelor Mother" stars a vivacious (and pregnant with Carrie Fisher) Debbie Reynolds and serves to make the viewer wonder how costar Eddie Fisher could possibly have been as captivating is real life as the scandal sheets of the time would have us believe. He divorced Reynolds to marry Elizabeth Taylor, but his charisma is completely baffling if you judge by this film. The plot is based on the notion that Reynolds finds a baby and then is misunderstood to be the baby's mother. Wouldn't it have been fairly easy for a woman to demonstrate that she had never given birth? No matter, the movie is fun if you know the background of its stars, but the musical numbers-especially "All About Love" and "Worry About Tomorrow" are best in this musical without enough music.
more like a Bundle of Diaper Doodoo
crispy_comments28 August 2011
Poor Debbie should've realized Eddie was a jerk and their marriage was doomed, when his ego demanded top billing ahead of her... in his very first movie. (And it's no surprise that Eddie's only other movie appearances were in Liz Taylor films, once they got together.) If this non-actor couldn't concede his then-wife was a bigger movie star and deserved to be billed before him, clearly the guy didn't respect or love her as much as he loved himself.
The only reason to see "Bundle Of Joy", is as a Debbie Reynolds fan and completist. She's pretty much always fun to watch. But, even though I like Debbie more than Ginger Rogers (who stars in the original movie), "Bachelor Mother" is vastly superior to this remake. The original is laugh-out-loud funny. David Niven is, needless to say, a much better actor and infinitely more charming than Eddie Fisher. I notice they cut some of Niven's best scenes, I assume because Fisher couldn't deliver the witty dialogue.
Even as a fan of musicals, there's not much point watching this. The songs are pretty forgettable. I don't mind musical remakes when you get quality numbers, such as in High Society, the musical version of The Philadelphia Story. Not the case here. I don't see anything very special about Eddie's singing. And that insufferable smirk on his face! His expression never changes.
I guess there are other reasons to watch this movie. Morbid curiosity to witness the lack of chemistry between Debbie and Eddie, and his total non-charisma. Or a need to watch a baby-centric storyline played by two people who were about to become parents (of Carrie) in real life. Behind-the-scenes film-buff stuff may provide some small entertainment. But certainly no joy.
The only reason to see "Bundle Of Joy", is as a Debbie Reynolds fan and completist. She's pretty much always fun to watch. But, even though I like Debbie more than Ginger Rogers (who stars in the original movie), "Bachelor Mother" is vastly superior to this remake. The original is laugh-out-loud funny. David Niven is, needless to say, a much better actor and infinitely more charming than Eddie Fisher. I notice they cut some of Niven's best scenes, I assume because Fisher couldn't deliver the witty dialogue.
Even as a fan of musicals, there's not much point watching this. The songs are pretty forgettable. I don't mind musical remakes when you get quality numbers, such as in High Society, the musical version of The Philadelphia Story. Not the case here. I don't see anything very special about Eddie's singing. And that insufferable smirk on his face! His expression never changes.
I guess there are other reasons to watch this movie. Morbid curiosity to witness the lack of chemistry between Debbie and Eddie, and his total non-charisma. Or a need to watch a baby-centric storyline played by two people who were about to become parents (of Carrie) in real life. Behind-the-scenes film-buff stuff may provide some small entertainment. But certainly no joy.
Fell for Debbie at 12
bill-563-8039771 April 2019
I saw this movie, for the first time, one morning, 5 am, after another sleepless night. Just lost my wife of 50 years a couple weeks ago. I fell for Debbie when I was 12 after reading about her in TV guide. She was 28 and cute. This movie was made before then, the same year her beautiful daughter, Carrie was born. A very funny, tasteful, take on what could have been considered 'things we don't talk about' in the 50's. Debbie's incredible talent, timing, expressions, made me laugh. Thank you Debbie.
Never assume!
kz917-18 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher who were married at the time co-star in this romantic comedy film with bursts of singing and dancing.
Debbie is a salesgirl that gets fired and comes upon a baby on a stoop and picks it up. Everyone assumes the baby is hers and that she is trying to give it up. No one will listen.. But fortune smiles her way and she receives her job back and begins falling for one of her bosses.
More assumptions are made and his father believes the baby is his grandson. What to do... Fall in love, get married, sing and dance...
Light hearted film with all the typical trappings that will make you smile and sigh!
Debbie is a salesgirl that gets fired and comes upon a baby on a stoop and picks it up. Everyone assumes the baby is hers and that she is trying to give it up. No one will listen.. But fortune smiles her way and she receives her job back and begins falling for one of her bosses.
More assumptions are made and his father believes the baby is his grandson. What to do... Fall in love, get married, sing and dance...
Light hearted film with all the typical trappings that will make you smile and sigh!
An imitation of greatness.
mark.waltz19 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Many of the classics of the 1930's and 40's were being remade in the 1940's to get films back into the theater and away from Uncle Miltie, Ralph Kramden, Lucy Ricardo and Ed Sullivan. Utilizing color photography and the various wide-screen processes, these films may have seemed like a good idea at the time, and in a few cases, it worked. However, many failed, especially if they were attempts to outshine the classic screwball comedy.
One of the most blatant examples of that was "Bundle of Joy", an update of "Bachelor Mother". Practically everything is the same with the exception of added songs, included to promote recording star Eddie Fisher as an actor, and failing miserably. To push the publicity window, his real-life then wife (Debbie Reynolds) was cast as the fired department store clerk who finds an abandoned baby. While Reynolds is a great replacement for Ginger Rogers, Fisher is no David Niven, and that is the factor which turns this attempt to remake champagne into beer.
A colorful environment is welcome here, but the script only points out the sitcom elements of the story that back in 1939 seemed fresh and new. The film isn't bad as a whole, but in reflection of what had been, it is definitely a missed opportunity. Adolph Menjou is great fun in the Charles Coburn part, while Nita Talbot seems ripe for Eve Arden roles as Reynold's pal. Fisher sings wonderfully, turning "All About Love" into his one highlight, but failing miserably as an actor, showing no chemistry with his wife on-screen (sort of like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, ironically, in most of their post "Virginia Woolf" pairings) and lacking in the comic timing of David Niven.
One of the most blatant examples of that was "Bundle of Joy", an update of "Bachelor Mother". Practically everything is the same with the exception of added songs, included to promote recording star Eddie Fisher as an actor, and failing miserably. To push the publicity window, his real-life then wife (Debbie Reynolds) was cast as the fired department store clerk who finds an abandoned baby. While Reynolds is a great replacement for Ginger Rogers, Fisher is no David Niven, and that is the factor which turns this attempt to remake champagne into beer.
A colorful environment is welcome here, but the script only points out the sitcom elements of the story that back in 1939 seemed fresh and new. The film isn't bad as a whole, but in reflection of what had been, it is definitely a missed opportunity. Adolph Menjou is great fun in the Charles Coburn part, while Nita Talbot seems ripe for Eve Arden roles as Reynold's pal. Fisher sings wonderfully, turning "All About Love" into his one highlight, but failing miserably as an actor, showing no chemistry with his wife on-screen (sort of like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, ironically, in most of their post "Virginia Woolf" pairings) and lacking in the comic timing of David Niven.
Bundle of Joy??? more like Bundle of Laughs
AshDCags14 May 2002
This film is and will always be one of the unsung classics of the RKO Studio. A musical remake of "Bachelor Mother", "Bundle of Joy" is a funny, heartwarming tale of mistaken identity and blossoming love.
The only downside of this movie is the fact that it has Eddie Fisher in it. He should have stuck to singing as he is the most excruciatingly bad actor I have ever seen.
Overall, I give this movie 41/2 out of five stars.
The only downside of this movie is the fact that it has Eddie Fisher in it. He should have stuck to singing as he is the most excruciatingly bad actor I have ever seen.
Overall, I give this movie 41/2 out of five stars.
I enjoyed watching Debbie and Eddie
donniefriedman18 December 2023
The movie is a fluff piece, but I enjoyed watching Debbie and Eddie when they were America's sweethearts in a more innocent time, pre-scandals and pre-drug problems. Unlike many, I find Eddie Fisher to be a beautiful singer. He really can hit those high notes, and his voice has a particularly angelic quality in the higher range.
I didn't see a lot of chemisty between the leads; maybe it's hard to project chemisty when you're going home to your marital abode after the shoot. But the studio wanted to cash in on their status as everyone's cutest couple at the time.
I thought the supporting cast was fine too, and the comic subplots worked.
How did they get those babies (twins) to act so beautifully. They were charming.
I didn't see a lot of chemisty between the leads; maybe it's hard to project chemisty when you're going home to your marital abode after the shoot. But the studio wanted to cash in on their status as everyone's cutest couple at the time.
I thought the supporting cast was fine too, and the comic subplots worked.
How did they get those babies (twins) to act so beautifully. They were charming.
Musical remake made to capitalize on the Debbie Reynolds-Eddie Fisher marriage
jacobs-greenwood2 December 2016
Directed by Norman Taurog, this Musical remake of Bachelor Mother (1939) by Felix Jackson, with a screenplay by Robert Carson, Norman Krasna, and Arthur Sheekman, doesn't come close to the charm or quality of the original. It was primarily made to capitalize on the Eddie Fisher-Debbie Reynolds marriage and her pregnancy, which would produce future actress and writer Carrie Fisher.
But like their marriage, the film fails because of Eddie Fisher, who didn't really have an acting talent that was anywhere near as capable as his singing ability. Of course, Bachelor Mother (1939) had both Ginger Rogers and David Niven. At least the supporting cast in this one, which includes Adolphe Menjou, Tommy Noonan, Una Merkel, Melville Cooper, Mary Treen, and Edward Brophy (among others), was up to the challenge, helping the movie (combined with Reynolds's pluckiness) salvage an average (vs. below average) rating from this reviewer.
Since I provided a full synopsis of the original for its review (find it on IMDb.com), I won't rehash it here. This remake doesn't stray very far from the source material except for the added (and rather uninspired) musical numbers, even the characters names were kept. Fisher plays Dan Merlin, son of store-owner J.B. 'John' Merlin (Menjou), who falls for Polly Parish (Reynolds) after she'd been mistakenly thought to be the single mother of a foundling she'd found on the steps of an agency (where Treen works). Noonan plays a co- worker of Polly's, Freddie Miller, who'd love to be her guy as much as he'd like to be promoted. Merkel plays Polly's understanding landlord Mrs. Dugan, Cooper plays the Merlin's butler named Adams, and Brophy plays one of the dance contest judges.
But like their marriage, the film fails because of Eddie Fisher, who didn't really have an acting talent that was anywhere near as capable as his singing ability. Of course, Bachelor Mother (1939) had both Ginger Rogers and David Niven. At least the supporting cast in this one, which includes Adolphe Menjou, Tommy Noonan, Una Merkel, Melville Cooper, Mary Treen, and Edward Brophy (among others), was up to the challenge, helping the movie (combined with Reynolds's pluckiness) salvage an average (vs. below average) rating from this reviewer.
Since I provided a full synopsis of the original for its review (find it on IMDb.com), I won't rehash it here. This remake doesn't stray very far from the source material except for the added (and rather uninspired) musical numbers, even the characters names were kept. Fisher plays Dan Merlin, son of store-owner J.B. 'John' Merlin (Menjou), who falls for Polly Parish (Reynolds) after she'd been mistakenly thought to be the single mother of a foundling she'd found on the steps of an agency (where Treen works). Noonan plays a co- worker of Polly's, Freddie Miller, who'd love to be her guy as much as he'd like to be promoted. Merkel plays Polly's understanding landlord Mrs. Dugan, Cooper plays the Merlin's butler named Adams, and Brophy plays one of the dance contest judges.
Just FAST FORWARD through Eddie Fisher's numerous "songs"
live-and-let-live3 January 2024
Debbie Reynolds. America's sweetheart sings and dances her way through the brighly colored remake of Ginger Rogers' "Bachelor Mother". Zheesh I wish the male lead was someone, anyone, else!!! He is as dimensional as Flat Stanley, but Reynolds lights up thescreen in her usual way. What a doll!!! And the baby aint too shabby himself!!! If you can tolerate Eddie's boring performanc,e take a llok and enjoy this fashion frenzy, full of 1950's verve. Eddie Fisher was a louse, sorry to say, a bad actor, and a miserable excuse as a husband. But Reynolds, just watch her and enjoy the remake which is as close to the otirignal, except for the singing and dancing as you can get!
Great plot.
Great plot.
Cute, funny, bubbly...NOT...
Doylenf25 December 2006
If it wasn't for the professional ease DEBBIE REYNOLDS displays in almost any role she plays, BUNDLE OF JOY would rank among the most forgettable romantic comedies of all time.
And this is true, even though she's surrounded by pros like TOMMY NOONAN (as an ambitious but overly flirtatious floor-walker) and ADOLPHE MENJOU (as a man who wishes he was the grandpa of the cute baby boy). And in the middle of this mess, is a weak performance by EDDIE FISHER, clearly in need of comic timing and finesse, especially since the lines he's given to speak are slightly short of ridiculous. His department store musical number at the film's start is an embarrassment to watch, clumsily staged and performed.
Director Norman Taurog is to blame for not being able to put any life into this retread of a GINGER ROGERS/David NIVEN/CHARLES COBURN film called BACHELOR MOTHER. The story is not the only handicap. The songs are third rate, even though Fisher and Reynolds deliver them in an appropriate style. Only one of them is a remotely catchy tune called "How I Love My Pretty Baby".
Obviously this is the kind of story of mistaken identifies that someone like Norman Krasna could write in his sleep (too bad he wasn't summoned to help with the script), but it's played in such uninspired fashion by Fisher and most of the cast (including the usually reliable Adolphe Menjou, Melville Cooper and Bill Goodwin), that it falls flat in injecting any real wit or humor into the contrived situations.
Summing up: Debbie deserved better than this. Both she and Fisher appear to be completely clueless as to what a dud this really is.
And this is true, even though she's surrounded by pros like TOMMY NOONAN (as an ambitious but overly flirtatious floor-walker) and ADOLPHE MENJOU (as a man who wishes he was the grandpa of the cute baby boy). And in the middle of this mess, is a weak performance by EDDIE FISHER, clearly in need of comic timing and finesse, especially since the lines he's given to speak are slightly short of ridiculous. His department store musical number at the film's start is an embarrassment to watch, clumsily staged and performed.
Director Norman Taurog is to blame for not being able to put any life into this retread of a GINGER ROGERS/David NIVEN/CHARLES COBURN film called BACHELOR MOTHER. The story is not the only handicap. The songs are third rate, even though Fisher and Reynolds deliver them in an appropriate style. Only one of them is a remotely catchy tune called "How I Love My Pretty Baby".
Obviously this is the kind of story of mistaken identifies that someone like Norman Krasna could write in his sleep (too bad he wasn't summoned to help with the script), but it's played in such uninspired fashion by Fisher and most of the cast (including the usually reliable Adolphe Menjou, Melville Cooper and Bill Goodwin), that it falls flat in injecting any real wit or humor into the contrived situations.
Summing up: Debbie deserved better than this. Both she and Fisher appear to be completely clueless as to what a dud this really is.
If only this flick had a male lead who could act . . .
pixrox114 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
. . . like Elvis, or BUNDLE OF JOY star Debbie Reynolds' other non-husbands, it might have been even more delightful to watch. Thanks to Reynolds and the twisty nature of this farcical plot, it's a partial enjoyment, as is. When Debbie's real life hubby Eddie Fisher is singing, viewers occasionally can stop cringing. Another plus is that Eddie is not in as many scenes as Debbie. I've heard somewhere that Elizabeth Taylor took Eddie away from Debbie shortly after BUNDLE OF JOY was shot, guaranteeing that there would be no more Reynolds-Fisher collaborations. Certainly, this is one of Taylor's greatest contributions to cinema history. Her own defection to Richard Burton after BUTTERFIELD 8 might rank second, since Eddie's own top movie accomplishment was siring actress daughter Carrie. Where would we be without Princess Leia?
Flat out BAD.
Registered_User18 December 2005
Eddie Fischer was simply bad. Possibly the worst scene came early in the movie when he broke into a spontaneous song and dance number centered around a piano and some conveniently placed employees. The song was totally stupid... I think I could drunkenly offer a few lines on a sheet of paper that would far exceed it and probably win a Grammy. Then, as if the writers could come up with no better way to escape the ridiculousness of the scene, Fischer says something to the effect of, "Don't tell (insert the guy's name). He doesn't like music" and smiles. I can't describe how bad this is, I felt a little embarrassed. And that guy Debbie Reynolds works with and who's always hitting on her is so annoying too. I can't even imagine someone like her wasting a fraction of time on him. The jokes were delivered without any sort of chemistry between characters which made the movie crawl by. At least the baby had cute hair. The two stars are for Reynolds, who was like a swan among ugly ducklings.
See Bachelor Mother instead.
See Bachelor Mother instead.
Hey you r u crazy?
jenilawlor22 February 2006
I'm asking whether the other person is crazy as i loved Bundle of Joy, the character's had great chemistry and great songs. I adore the songs such as 'worry about another day' and 'Someday soon can't come too soon..' It is one of those few simple feel good movies which rarely come around but when they do they capture your heart. As for the comment on about the song 'It's all about Love' which the previous person hated i enjoyed and the joke about don't tell so and so wasn't supposed to be a roll over the floor and cry joke but one that could produce a smile or giggle which for me it did. The person who posted the response must not have good taste in movies to say what they did. I however a huge fan of films and musicals end up watching that film over and over again. For it is one of the greats which could stand next to seven brides for seven brothers. Any true lover of films and musicals must see this and if they ever see it on sell to post it as i live in the UK and only have a taped version. TTFN
Third Time (Un)Lucky
writers_reign5 December 2016
Back in the day (1935)Austria cranked out a blend of schmaltz and strudel called Little Mother, it found its way to the private screening rooms in Hollywood and emerged a year or so later as Bachelor Mother, a vehicle for the now non-dancing Ginger Rogers and charm personified David Niven. This is still the definitive version despite and especially in spite of this dire remake - with lacklustre songs yet, from the usually reliable Josef Myrow and Mack Gordon, Saccherine Dabbie Reynolds and prime Redwood Eddie Fisher. Other than name- checking the support, Adolphe Menjou, Una Merkel, there's little more to say about this misguided remake.
Dreadful remake of the witty original
kgft23 December 2020
Bachelor Mother is a much better film. This is a pretty uninspired remake.
CranberriAppl30 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It's Christmas season, and I'm watching TCM. I love Bachelor Mother after catching it one night on TCM maybe ten years ago now. The story is obviously dated, but I still find it so charming and nice throwback to the times. Well this year, they had a week of programming with movies and their remakes. So for example, Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride, Shop Around the Corner and In The Good Old Summertime, etc. Well since this aired right about Bachelor Mother, I decided to check it out. When the host did the intro, I kind of felt it wouldn't be as good, but this movie rarely airs, so I said what the heck, I'll watch with an open mind. Well, I'm watching it now....
It's not very good. I realize this was a vehicle for the newlyweds, but it's one of those things where they are so obviously doing that. The couple don't have the charm (in the movie) to pull it off. I was born in the 80s, so I I've only heard about the craze around EF/DR as a couple, but I think I expected more chemistry. There's a movie where June Allyson and Dick Powell aren't even love interests and they still have good chemistry.
I don't really care for is the singing lol. OK, hear me out. Now I know B. M. had two dancing scenes for Ginger, but they were built into the plot and they weren't designed to feature her dancing as in her previous movies. This movie is so obviously a movie for singers. I mean, I get it, but it's falls flat. The script has so many line for line bits of dialogue from Bachelor Mother that it's clear they didn't try to make this movie its own version. May as well had kept the title the same. Before anyone thinks I hate remakes, I love all of the Shop Around the Corner remakes and I enjoy different versions of A Star is Born, or The Secret Garden. But this one just does not work for me.
Take the scene following The Pink Slipper where Polly gets fired (again). Ginger comes off as genuinely sorry and worried about losing her job. David Niven's David reacts to her w/sympathy and as if all his original anger has dissipated. With Eddie and Debbie, I feel like I am watching a recreation of that scene w/none of the chemistry. I just literally knew how the scene would go.
I like Debbie Reynolds in the Tender Trap, Singing in the Rain (obviously), and My Six Loves to name three, but she's just not a favorite of mine from the era. She comes off a bit cold to me, which is funny bc she's done so many musicals. I honestly don't think Debbie nor Eddie captured the charm of Ginger and David. Now that I think about it, if they were the right age at the time, I could see Barbara Stanwyck or Doris Day pulling off this role.
It's not very good. I realize this was a vehicle for the newlyweds, but it's one of those things where they are so obviously doing that. The couple don't have the charm (in the movie) to pull it off. I was born in the 80s, so I I've only heard about the craze around EF/DR as a couple, but I think I expected more chemistry. There's a movie where June Allyson and Dick Powell aren't even love interests and they still have good chemistry.
I don't really care for is the singing lol. OK, hear me out. Now I know B. M. had two dancing scenes for Ginger, but they were built into the plot and they weren't designed to feature her dancing as in her previous movies. This movie is so obviously a movie for singers. I mean, I get it, but it's falls flat. The script has so many line for line bits of dialogue from Bachelor Mother that it's clear they didn't try to make this movie its own version. May as well had kept the title the same. Before anyone thinks I hate remakes, I love all of the Shop Around the Corner remakes and I enjoy different versions of A Star is Born, or The Secret Garden. But this one just does not work for me.
Take the scene following The Pink Slipper where Polly gets fired (again). Ginger comes off as genuinely sorry and worried about losing her job. David Niven's David reacts to her w/sympathy and as if all his original anger has dissipated. With Eddie and Debbie, I feel like I am watching a recreation of that scene w/none of the chemistry. I just literally knew how the scene would go.
I like Debbie Reynolds in the Tender Trap, Singing in the Rain (obviously), and My Six Loves to name three, but she's just not a favorite of mine from the era. She comes off a bit cold to me, which is funny bc she's done so many musicals. I honestly don't think Debbie nor Eddie captured the charm of Ginger and David. Now that I think about it, if they were the right age at the time, I could see Barbara Stanwyck or Doris Day pulling off this role.
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