The title may have sounded cutesy, but there are many instances in classic film of comedy and romance mixing well and being great as films for the genres and overall. The type of comedy in 'Bedtime Story' is one of my favourite types, sophistication, wit and knockabout have all been done wonderfully many times. The premise sounded interesting and it is hard to go wrong with the likes of Fredric March (though associate him more with drama), Loretta Young and Eve Arden.
'Bedtime Story' doesn't completely work and it was hard to not expect better considering the calibre of the cast. It is much wittier, cleverer and more interesting than its cutesy title suggests and is an enjoyable film. One that starts off unsure, taking time to find its footing and did find myself mixed personally on one performance. But from the middle act onwards it is much better and pretty much exactly as one expects reading the premise and more.
As said, 'Bedtime Story' is a slow starter with a not so crisp pace and the tone not feeling fully settled, so there is a fairly plain and unsure feeling at first.
March was a bit inconsistent to me. He does get much better and more comfortable later on when the material got better, meaning that his comic timing had a lighter and more tasteful touch. At first though he did struggle making a very caddish character likeable or amusing, almost a bit on the cruel side.
However, 'Bedtime Story' is handsomely filmed and has a stylish look. The script crackles in its sharp sophisticated wit in its best parts, so primarily in the second half, with little bland or lifeless in the dialogue. Really liked the interplay between Luke and Jane, though wouldn't have said no to more acid sharp one liners for Arden. The story takes a while to find its footing, but when it does it is very entertaining and charming with an absolutely hilarious ending. One of the funniest endings for any recently seen film for me.
Direction lets 'Bedtime Story' go at a snappy yet also controlled pace on the most part and the cast are very strong. March disappoints at first but gets a lot better, while Young is a radiant delight and their chemistry has real charm and spark to it. Robert Benchley's role is a bit too small but he is highly amusing with what he has, while Arden can do no wrong and fits her tailor made character like a glove. Allyn Joslyn's reactions and expressions to all the wonderfully silly situations are quite priceless.
In summary, not great to begin with but wins one over by the end. 7/10
'Bedtime Story' doesn't completely work and it was hard to not expect better considering the calibre of the cast. It is much wittier, cleverer and more interesting than its cutesy title suggests and is an enjoyable film. One that starts off unsure, taking time to find its footing and did find myself mixed personally on one performance. But from the middle act onwards it is much better and pretty much exactly as one expects reading the premise and more.
As said, 'Bedtime Story' is a slow starter with a not so crisp pace and the tone not feeling fully settled, so there is a fairly plain and unsure feeling at first.
March was a bit inconsistent to me. He does get much better and more comfortable later on when the material got better, meaning that his comic timing had a lighter and more tasteful touch. At first though he did struggle making a very caddish character likeable or amusing, almost a bit on the cruel side.
However, 'Bedtime Story' is handsomely filmed and has a stylish look. The script crackles in its sharp sophisticated wit in its best parts, so primarily in the second half, with little bland or lifeless in the dialogue. Really liked the interplay between Luke and Jane, though wouldn't have said no to more acid sharp one liners for Arden. The story takes a while to find its footing, but when it does it is very entertaining and charming with an absolutely hilarious ending. One of the funniest endings for any recently seen film for me.
Direction lets 'Bedtime Story' go at a snappy yet also controlled pace on the most part and the cast are very strong. March disappoints at first but gets a lot better, while Young is a radiant delight and their chemistry has real charm and spark to it. Robert Benchley's role is a bit too small but he is highly amusing with what he has, while Arden can do no wrong and fits her tailor made character like a glove. Allyn Joslyn's reactions and expressions to all the wonderfully silly situations are quite priceless.
In summary, not great to begin with but wins one over by the end. 7/10