The Bride Wore Red is one of those films that caused Joan Crawford to be labeled "box office poison," and as a result it has a very bad rap. The truth is that, while it's by no means a great film, it's also not the train wreck that it sometimes is made out to be. There's no getting around the fact that the screenplay is strictly from hunger; presumably the Ferenc Molnar play from which it is drawn had more meat to it, along with some degree of wit and insight. The clunky script that has been devised for the occasion is trite and familiar, with little in it to offer surprise. Giving in to the demands of the time -- and presumably of studio boss Mayer -- the ending is ridiculous and feels tacked on. However, director Dorothy Arzner does very well with the material, including creating an figurine opening transition that works very well and a party that opens with a close-up of a bell and moves on into a very impressive establishing shot. Crawford is Crawford, and her fans will have a field day here; but even those not so enamored of the actress will probably admit that she plays the role with more flair and ingenuity than it deserves. Billie Burke is wonderful in a supporting role, and Robert Young and Franchot Tone do quite well indeed. And of course, Adrian provides some glorious fashions to set Crawford off to her best advantage.