They All Kissed The Bride

They All Kissed The Bride is an American romantic comedy film released in 1942. The movie is directed by Alexander Hall and features an all-star cast spearheaded by the Hollywood icon Joan Crawford, versatile actor Melvyn Douglas and the astute performer Roland Young. Not forgetting a remarkable contribution from Allen Jenkins who provides comedy relief, the film enjoys a rich bouquet of talent. Based on a story by Gina Kaus and Andrew Solt, this movie reflects the skilled storyline plotting typical of that period.

Joan Crawford, in one of her sassiest roles, takes center stage in the character of Margaret Drew, also known as Maggie, the tough-as-nails, hard-nosed CEO of a thriving trucking business-dominating a male-centric profession during an era when women executives were rare. Maggie inherits the trucking business from her departed father and runs it with a firm hand, disciplining insubordinate employees, disregarding her affable brother's (Roland Young) suggestions, and keeping under her control her mother's (Billie Burke) desire to splurge on expensive gowns for society functions.

The character Maggie is no-nonsense, focusing strictly on business dealings and viewing personal indulgences and senseless mingling at high society events with outright disdain. Her lackluster personal life takes an unexpected twist when she meets the charismatic swinger Michael Holmes, played by Melvyn Douglas. Holmes, a newspaper reporter, is focused on blazing a trail through the high society labyrinth and has his lenses firmly set on Maggie as his next feature story.

The chemistry of Crawford and Douglas is enchanting; their interactions evolve from contentious to romantic as the movie progresses. The character Michael is determined to show Maggie that life isn’t solely about business deals and fiscal performance, explicitly challenging her belief that love doesn’t exist in her ordered world. Without spreading any spoilers, it's important to note that this builds up to a breath-taking crescendo of storytelling as the movie progresses.

There's a world of culturally aware subplot elements that the film introduces before it was a standard consideration. The gender role reversal represented by Maggie's character portrays the emerging influence of women in corporate America during World War II when many were taking on erstwhile male-dominated roles. Roland Young's character as Maggie's brother, who lacks a career but is content overseeing the household chores, also underscores the shifting dynamic of gender roles.

The film also manifests Alexander Hall’s distinct directing style, using situational humor, physical comedy, and repartee to drive the narrative forward. Hall manages to imbue within his characters a light-heartedness that balances well against the dominant aura of the film's business-oriented premise.

Allen Jenkins, in his role as Johnny, a long-standing employee of the trucking company, and the comedian within the movie, provides adequate comic relief, breaking up the intense scenes. Look out for a certain scene involving a milk truck that is delightfully orchestrated and full of hilarity.

This movie, importantly, is backed by strong and catchy dialogues that converge to reflect the classic old-world charm. The dialogues are crisp, the spark between Crawford and Douglas is kindling, and the unfolding of the plot never lacks momentum until the very end.

They All Kissed The Bride falls under the category of battle-of-the-sexes comedies from the 1940s era, serving as an enjoyable blend of sharp comedic timing, picturesque visuals, and a romantic storyline that flows with undeniable charm. It takes the viewers on a delightful ride, with a central strong female character tumbling headlong into the throes of love without losing her individualistic charm. The movie feels like a breath of fresh air, tinged with a delightful layer of nostalgia and offers a wonderful way to escape into the world of classic cinema. For every ardent fan of vintage Hollywood cinema, this movie is a must-watch.