June Bride (1948)

While far from a timeless classic (indeed, much of it will come across as hopelessly dated to many modern viewers), June Bride is an enjoyable little romantic comedy, one of the few which the illustrious Bette Davis made in her legendary career. To expand on that "dated" comment: this is a very period piece in terms of its view of male-female relationships and of how a woman should be prepared to take a secondary role in a relationship. This will be a stumbling block for many. But those willing to look the other way about this flaw will find a screenplay that, if predictable in its plotting, still offers plenty of opportunities for humor and a fair share of banter that sticks in the memory. (Davis's "you're about to drink someone's blood, probably mine" line is delivered with perfect inflection.) Davis and co-star Robert Montgomery are in great form, looking as if they're having a high old time despite rumors of constant conflict on the set. And the supporting cast, especially Fay Bainter, Mary Wickes and Barbara Btes, simply couldn't be better. Bretaigne Windust directs with a few surprising touches, not perhaps in terms of the camera but in terms of character and acting. All in all, worth watching. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide