To me, this movie is perfection.

The Worst Film Ever

Thanks for the memories!

Sadly Over-hyped

Apart from its originality (the somewhat risqué story, involving the various misunderstandings which arise over an abandoned baby, was even nominated for an Oscar) and reputation as a comedy classic (from an era crammed with them), this film is notable as a touchstone in the careers of all three protagonists – Ginger Rogers (her musical partnership with Fred Astaire now firmly behind her), David Niven (tackling his first starring role) and Charles Coburn (who practically spent the rest of his life playing wealthy and big-hearted eccentrics) – as well as marking perhaps director Kanin's most satisfying effort in this capacity (he is still best-known as a scriptwriter); incidentally, Rogers and Kanin would soon be re-united for the almost-as-good TOM, DICK AND HARRY (1941; http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034299/usercomments-11). Given the Christmas back-drop, BACHELOR MOTHER makes for ideal festive fare – adding to the already warm glow (but thankfully eschewing sentimentality) of its subject matter. The two leads exude a wonderful chemistry (they would be reteamed two more times over the course of almost 20 years) which lends conviction to their budding romance and, likewise, a greater sense of involvement to their wacky antics (particularly Niven's attempt to exchange a defective toy in his own establishment incognito, during a marathon dance contest and a New Year's Eve dinner in which department-store clerk Rogers is passed off before Niven's high-society peers as a Swedish heiress). When Coburn, playing Niven's tycoon dad, gets wind of his son's supposed parenthood (via an anonymous note, actually from vindictive employee and romantic rival Frank Albertson), he is overjoyed at the prospect of finally having a grandson – even after both Rogers and Niven produce alternative fathers (including Albertson himself)!; the ending, then, with the leads getting hitched with a ready-made child in tow (a common occurrence today but not back then I suppose), is pure Hollywood. For the record, the film was remade – in color and widescreen – as BUNDLE OF JOY in 1956...which, given the casting of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher (then a real-life couple), not to mention the addition of musical numbers, provided a distinctly unappetizing 'alternative' scenario for this viewer.

Ginger Rogers almost made the mistake of her career, when she flatly refused to appear in "Bachelor Mother". Pandro S. Berman forced her to do it and when released she was at last recognised as one of Hollywood's top comediennes. I love this film!!!!!Polly Parrish (Ginger Rogers) has just been given a pink slip from Merlin's Department Store. After being forced to listen to quacking toy Donald Ducks all day the last thing she needs is a baby!!!! While on lunch she finds a woman abandoning a baby at a foundling home. When Polly is caught holding the baby she can convince no-one that the baby isn't hers. The foundling officers contact her boss David Merlin (David Niven) and she is given her job back plus a bonus. She still can't convince anybody that the baby isn't hers.One of the funniest sequences is when she and Freddie (Frank Albertson) enter a dance competition and David comes to the night club with the baby in tow. Another funny sequence is when Niven tries to return a faulty Donald Duck (ha!ha!) incognito and finds the staff less than helpful. Then there is the part where he takes Polly out to party with his rich friends and she impersonates a Swedish girl who can't speak English.When "a friend" sends a note to David's father (Charles Coburn) implying that David is the father then the shoe is on the other foot.Charles Coburn is wonderful as the grandfather (he thinks!!!) "I don't care who the father is - I'm the Grandfather!!!" It is a very funny film and at the end a few men stand up to claim paternity.Ginger was never better than in these type of working girl roles.

I vividly remember the remake of this funny film with Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds entitled "Bundle of Joy."As was the case with the remake, the original "Bachelor Mother" is in fine form due to a great cast of characters.David Niven and Ginger Rogers were never better as two people-the son of a department store owner and a worker who are drawn to love by accident.Witnessing a baby being left at a home begins an odyssey of hilarity when no one will believe Rogers that she is not the mother of the baby. She takes the baby in and when the investigator (Ernest Truex) talks to the son of the boss (Niven), he gives her her job back.Frank Albertson is effective as the disgruntled employee who really sets things in motion by sending the boss (a wonderful Charles Coburn) a note stating that Niven (Coburn's son) fathered the child.This film is well paced and an absolute joy to watch.It just shows how two people from wealth and poverty can join forces.

I checked the spoiler box, just in case I reveal something, but I just wanted to say that I adore this movie. Like someone else said, this is a perfect romantic comedy. The actors are great and the story is great. When I first saw it a few months ago, I was wondering how this story would play out being that it was filmed in the 30s, but it worked out wonderfully.All of the actors had great comedic timing and the chemistry was perfect. Nobody hammed it up or tried to overtake the other actors. Even the baby gave us a show! The story is simple and fairly predictable by 2007 standards, but for me, that didn't make it any less enjoyable. I would pick this one over many of the RomComs of today.