After death of her mother, Allie (Helen Twelvetrees) tends to stick at home and avoid others. She says she's happy but she obviously isn't. Unfortunately, the guy who pulls Allie out of this funk is Charlie (Eric Linden). I say unfortunately because Charlie is an obnoxious bag of wind. Even though it's the Depression, he talks like he's some sort of big-shot--like he's a man just on the verge of millions. However, it's all malarkey. When he marries Allie, she believes his spiel--but after months of no work and lots of promises, it's obvious he's just a very polished bum. And, after a while, he's not just full of promises but he starts stepping out on her. Poor Allie...what's this nice lady to do? To me the idea of "Young Bride" is pretty good. After all, as long as there have been marriages, there have been women marrying men who they THINK they can change for the better. The problem with the film, however, is that Charlie is so unlikeable and annoying that it's hard to see any woman believing him--and Allie doesn't seem stupid. And it sure takes her a long time until she finally tells him what he's worth! In fact, this long-awaited scene is the best one in the movie! It's only late in the film when this payoff arrives--but better late than never! Despite a somewhat salacious story and LOTS of Pre-Code morality (such as an unmarried couple lounging in bed with friend, adultery and women getting slugged), the film manages to actually be a bit understated...really. And, the overall package is pretty good--and rather timeless. And it works mostly because the acting was very, very nice.
"Gee Allie,...you're the swellest dame in this whole cockeyed world!"-- too bad they don't talk like this any more!
"Gee Allie,...you're the swellest dame in this whole cockeyed world!"-- too bad they don't talk like this any more!