Bundle of Joy (1956)

After finding a baby outside an orphanage, a salesgirl receives sympathy from those around her, including her boss' son, as they all assume the baby is hers.

Director:

Norman Taurog

Writers:

Norman Krasna (screen play), Robert Carson (screen play)

Stars:

Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Adolphe Menjou

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Eddie Fisher	...	Dan Merlin
Debbie Reynolds	...	Polly Parish
Adolphe Menjou	...	J.B. Merlin
Tommy Noonan	...	Freddie Miller
Nita Talbot	...	Mary
Una Merkel	...	Mrs. Dugan
Melville Cooper	...	Adams - the Butler
Bill Goodwin	...	Mr. Creely
Howard McNear	...	Mr. Appleby
Robert H. Harris	...	Mr. Hargraves
Mary Treen	...	Matron
Edward Brophy	...	Dance Contest Judge (as Edward S. Brophy)
Gil Stratton	...	Mike Clancy
Scott Douglas	...	Bill Rand

Storyline

Kitschy musical remake of "Bachelor Mother". Debbie Reynolds plays an over-eager clerk in a large department store and Eddie Fisher plays the boss' son. After getting fired from her job, she finds an adorable baby on the steps of the foundling home and the folks inside mistake her for the mother. Fisher, well-meaning, but obtuse, tries to help her out with the baby, and the buds of romance begin to appear. Meanwhile old Merlin, the owner of the store, thinks he just might be a grandfather...

---

Plot Keywords:

screwball comedy | live television | baby | boss | foundling | 

---

Taglines:

Their first movie together! Eddie sings 6 wonderful new songs!

---

Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

---

Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

The distinctive looking sports car Eddie Fisher's character drives in this film is an Italian made Dual Ghia, the same make and model Peter Lawford would later drive in MGM's TV remake of The Thin Man (1957). In fact, given the limited number of Dual Ghias made, it may even be the exact same vehicle.

---

Goofs

During the number 'Lullaby In Blue', Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds seem unable to synchronize their mouths to the pace and vocalization of the playback. In the two-shots, they appear to mumble whilst singing out loudly on the recording.

---

Connections

Featured in Hollywood the Golden Years: The RKO Story: Howard's Way (1987)

---

Soundtracks

All About Love
(uncredited)
Music by Josef Myrow
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Sung by Eddie Fisher and chorus

User Reviews

Debbie Does It All!

Many times have I wondered what Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher were like in their careers (I'm a Star Wars buff). I finally sat down and saw this film. I must say that after watching, I just loved it and wanted more. Since then Debbie Reynolds has become my favorite actress ever. After seeing this I raced to my mother for more info. and she told me of the trouble that followed. I was severely disappointed, because the chemistry in this film was superb. Among the highlights is Debbie's ability to use her magnificent talent to use subtle face gestures to get across the idea of what she is thinking. Eddie was less so, but did an average job. But after hearing the truth, everytime I re-watch this film, I can't help but imagine Eddie with horns on his head or a dunce cap a mile tall. Debbie's charm is the main reason to see this film. She steals the show, the script, the clothes, and anything else she touches. The back-up roles are performed well. This is a remake of the earlier film, "Bachelor Mother." If anyone but Debbie were in the lead, this movie would stink, but it gets a solid 3 stars from me (out of 4).

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 December 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bundle of Joy

Filming Locations:

RKO Studios - 780 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Edmund Grainger Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor) (as Technicolor®)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1