Review of The Bride Came C.O.D.

Much better and much more fun than expected. I actually think it's slightly underrated. While it's nowhere approaching the best of either stars (Jimmy Cagney and Bette Davis) wonderful careers, this is certainly no blotch on their resumes and is quite a lovely screwball comedy. Davis is the heiress getting married to a guy who's just after her money (Jack Carson), and Cagney is the pilot who has been charged by her father to kidnap her and stop the wedding. Sparks fly when furious Bette and cocky Cagney find themselves stuck in the Californian desert together after the plane is wrecked. The leads play roles that you would normally find the likes of Cary Grant and Carole Lombard inhabiting at the time, so it really is interesting to see them in something unusual. Once you get over that Bette is not playing one of her great roles in Regina Giddens or Margo Channing, and Cagney is not Cody Jarret, you'll be fine.

Plus it's fascinating to see two of the most dynamic, energetic and often dominating actors of the time fight it out. They have a curious sort of chemistry, borne out of both of them exuding so much of their own trademark charisma and mannerisms. The plot is a little thin, but there are plenty of funny situations to be had and Davis could actually do comedy, so there you go, she's the best and she rules. William Keighley directs in solid workman-like style, and the result is a film that should be better appreciated. It's no great classic but it is well worth seeing.