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Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Cummings (Saboteur, Dial M for Murder) star as a horse racer and an author who are married with two children despite the fact they have very little in common. Each lets jealousy get the better of them when Stanwyck’s longtime friend (Patric Knowles) shows up Cummings in equestrian affairs, and Cummings draws the unwanted, constant attention of a young ingénue (Diana Lynn). After ending their marriage, the divorcees sabotage each other’s attempts to move on until a horse named Albert ends up being the key to their happy reunion.
The Bride Wore Boots is a fluffy romantic comedy that suffices as a popcorn muncher even if it’s unlikely to linger in your memory afterwards. Stanwyck, who’s usually terrific, seems held back the writing. It’s hard to be funny when your character is the one who seeks the divorce and demands custody of the children. In reality, it’s unlikely any man would take back a woman who treated him so badly — but, hey, this is a screwball comedy. Despite Stanwyck’s top-billing, this is more Cummings’ movie. He does a great job playing beleaguered and bewildered along the lines of several Cary Grant performances (this film is sometimes vaguely reminiscent of Bringing Up Baby). Among the supporting cast, Diana Lynn is most memorable as the flirtatious, conniving would-be home-wrecker who weasels her way into Cumming’s daily affairs.
The finale is the best part of the film, when Cummings rides Albert, an unlikely, aged horse, in a climactic steeplechase against Patric Knowles. Cummings’ character starts the film out as a horse hater, but his heart softens over the course of the second act. Cummings falls off Albert several times, but the horse keeps coming back for his rider. After a final fall, Albert continues the race without a rider — and is the first horse to cross the finish line. He doesn’t win the race, but he wins the crowds hearts, and he helps get Stanwyck and Cummings back together again. If you’re tolerant of sap, you might find it heartwarming.
With Peggy Wood, Robert Benchley, Willie Best, and Natalie Wood (Rebel Without a Cause) as one of Stanwyck’s and Cummings’ young children. Directed by Irving Pichel (The Most Dangerous Game).