Originally released as KISS FOR CORLISS, this 1949 coda of Temple's silver screen performances again finds Corliss Archer (Shirley Temple) with a crush on an older man. She secretly confesses to her diary an imagined relationship with wealthy, though frequently married, Kenneth Marquis (David Niven), 20 years her senior. Out of spite for a despised Mr. Archer, attorney for his last wife, Marquis confirms the story after Corliss's parents discover the diary. Wedding plans ensue. This leads to a public scandal and jealous true boyfriend, Dexter Franklin (Darryl Hickman).
It seems the only roles offered to teenage Temple were ones where she nurtured affections for mature men. (THE BACHELOR AND THE BOBBY-SOXER, 1947; I'LL BE SEEING YOU, 1945) Though she likely wanted to play more womanly parts, from her youth she was type cast as a precocious girl. The quality of this delightful B+W film is surprisingly poor (fair w/o digital restoration) considering it is the treasured climax of Temple theater. This was a wonderful vehicle for prolific child-star Hickman's unbridled antics which were much more subdued in LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN (1945) and too brief in THE STRANGE LOVE OF MARTHA IVERS (1946). Though some of the acting may be a bit exaggerated, ALMOST A BRIDE is an enjoyable comedy for the entire family.
Movie quote: "Oh, and if the indignity of taking money from Daddy Dear ever becomes too great to bear, don't hesitate to call on me."