Bundle of Joy 1956
Directed by
Norman Taurog
Made by
RKO Radio Pictures
Plot Summary
Polly Parish, played by Debbie Reynolds, finds herself in a difficult bind as she works in the Millinery Department at J.B. Merlin & Son’s department store in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She’s abruptly fired by the store manager after being told that her enthusiastic sales tactics have led to a surge in returns, creating extra burdens on the accounting department. As she walks home, contemplating how she’ll make ends meet, her life takes a surprising turn when she stumbles upon an abandoned baby wrapped in a blanket. Instinctively, she comforts the little one, only to be ushered inside a nearby orphanage by a woman who lives there.
Inside the orphanage, the staff, including the head, are skeptical of Polly’s claim that the baby isn’t hers, having dealt with many reluctant mothers in the past. Polly explains her recent job loss and her inability to care for someone else’s child, but her words are met with disbelief. Soon after, the orphanage head reaches out to the kind-hearted Dan Merlin, the son of the store’s owner, who subsequently decides to rehire Polly with a pay increase of $10 a week, and promises a surprise delivery to her apartment that evening.
When a package arrives, it turns out to be the very baby Polly had found, leaving her utterly astonished. Desperate to return the infant to Dan, she enlists a friend to help her bring the baby back to his East 63rd Street residence. However, Dan’s butler becomes involved, as Dan himself goes to fetch Polly. Their paths cross in a dance hall where Polly hopes to win a prize, but things take a chaotic turn when Dan gets thrown out.
With no choice but to care for the baby, Polly names him John and begins to develop a genuine attachment. The more time they spend together, the deeper her bond with the child grows. As New Year’s Eve arrives, Dan, initially stood up by his date due to a forgotten call, decides to indulge Polly with a night out, arranging for her landlady to babysit John.
After shopping for an outfit, Dan playfully hints that Polly’s job is at risk just to steal a kiss. Meanwhile, a misunderstanding leads J.B. Merlin to believe that Polly and Dan are the new parents of baby John, whom he mistakenly thinks is his grandson. The humorous chaos escalates when Polly claims that her landlady’s nephew is the baby’s real father, while Dan attempts to bring in a store employee to play the role of John’s father.
The tangled web of pretenses culminates in an emotional climax where Dan confesses his love for Polly. The comedic misunderstandings resolve beautifully, leading to a joyful union for this makeshift family and a happy ending that convinces J.B. that baby John is indeed his grandchild.
Timeline
Polly's Job Loss
Polly Parish, an enthusiastic saleswoman in the Millinery Department at J.B. Merlin & Son's, is abruptly fired by her manager. Her sales tactics, which initially seemed effective, inadvertently lead to an overwhelming surge in product returns, pressing the accounting department and resulting in her termination.
Finding the Abandoned Baby
As Polly reflects on her job loss while walking home, her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers an abandoned baby wrapped in a blanket. Driven by maternal instinct, she tenderly comforts the infant, unknowingly sparking a series of unexpected events.
Entering the Orphanage
Polly is confronted by a woman who takes her inside a nearby orphanage to seek help for the baby. The staff, led by a skeptical head, questions Polly's claims about the child, influencing her desperate plea and highlighting her current plight after losing her job.
Rehired by Dan
Upon hearing Polly's story, Dan Merlin, the kind-hearted son of the store’s owner, decides to rehire her with a $10 increase in pay. He surprises Polly by ensuring a special delivery to her apartment that evening, setting the stage for further complications.
The Baby's Arrival
Polly is left in awe when the package she receives is none other than the baby she found earlier. Shocked and overwhelmed, she realizes that she must take action to return the infant to Dan at his residence, leading to an unexpected adventure.
The Chaotic Encounter
As Polly attempts to return the baby to Dan, they unexpectedly meet at a dance hall, causing a series of misunderstandings and complications. Unfortunately, the chaos escalates when Dan is thrown out, leaving Polly and the baby in a precarious situation.
Caring for Baby John
Polly names the baby John and faces the challenges of caring for him, despite the unexpected circumstances. Over time, a genuine attachment develops between them, as Polly embraces her role as a caregiver.
New Year's Eve Date
On New Year's Eve, after an unfortunate mix-up leaves Dan without a date, he decides to take Polly out to celebrate. They arrange for Polly’s landlady to watch over baby John, marking a pivotal moment in their blossoming relationship.
Playful Misunderstanding
During a shopping trip, Dan playfully suggests Polly’s job might be in jeopardy, only to coax a kiss from her. This light-hearted moment is clouded by the misunderstandings surrounding their relationship and John’s parentage.
J.B. Merlin's Misconception
J.B. Merlin mistakenly believes that Polly and Dan are the proud parents of baby John, whom he assumes is his grandchild. This misconception leads to a series of humorous antics as Polly concocts a story involving her landlady's nephew to clarify the situation.
The Emotional Climax
The tangled web of deceptions comes to a head when Dan confesses his love for Polly, marking a turning point in their relationship. Their honest feelings for each other pave the way for the resolution of the misunderstandings surrounding baby John.
A Joyful Union
The comedic misunderstandings resolve beautifully, culminating in a heartfelt conclusion as Polly and Dan come together as a new family. The clarity of their feelings convinces J.B. that baby John truly belongs with them, solidifying their bond.
Characters
Polly Parish
Polly, portrayed by Debbie Reynolds, is a resourceful and determined woman who faces adversity with a strong spirit. Struggling to make ends meet after losing her job, her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds an abandoned baby. Her nurturing instincts and growing attachment to the child reveal her deep capacity for love and sacrifice.
Dan Merlin
Dan, played by Eddie Fisher, is the kind-hearted son of the store owner who unexpectedly becomes embroiled in Polly's chaotic life. He exhibits compassion and warmth, providing support to Polly despite the misunderstandings that ensue. His love for Polly ultimately drives the film's emotional climax, revealing his true character.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary period that reflects the changing dynamics of post-war America. It captures themes of family, responsibility, and the societal expectations surrounding motherhood during a time when traditional roles were being challenged. It provides a snapshot of everyday life filled with both humor and heartfelt moments.
Location
Manhattan, Upper East Side
The story takes place in Manhattan's Upper East Side, a vibrant and affluent neighborhood known for its upscale residences and iconic shopping avenues. This bustling area is home to many cultural institutions, making it a hub for arts and commerce. The backdrop of the city adds to the charm of Polly's journey as she navigates challenges and unforeseen events.
Themes
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Parenthood
The theme of parenthood is central to the narrative, as Polly unexpectedly finds herself caring for an abandoned child. This sudden responsibility drastically alters her life, prompting her to confront her own desires and societal expectations. Through her journey, the film explores the deep bonds that can form in the most unexpected circumstances.
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Misunderstanding
The comedic element of misunderstanding adds a layer of humor and chaos to the plot. Polly's attempts to return the baby lead to a series of comedic mix-ups, showcasing how assumptions can complicate relationships. This theme highlights the lightheartedness of the narrative while also emphasizing the importance of communication.
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Love
Romantic love plays a significant role in the film, particularly through the evolving relationship between Polly and Dan. Their connection deepens as they navigate the challenges of caregiving and societal expectations. The climax reveals true feelings, showcasing how love can blossom even in the midst of confusion and chaos.
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