I enjoyed this film, but that's not to say it's a perfect movie. The first problem is that it's one of those stories where a couple is feuding, and rather than simply talking things out, one or both sets up all sorts of clever manipulations to bring things to the conclusion he or she prefers. Okay, but there is such a thing as taking the concept too far. The other problem is that one of the lead supporting actors -- Robert Benchley -- isn't very humorous in this film...which is odd...that's his trade.But, Loretta Young is quite appealing (and beautiful) here as the stage actress who wants to retire, and Frederick March is quite good here as the husband and playwright who wants to continue working. I think the comedy works, in part, because bother actors are more dramatic actors than comedy actors. Of course, the legal aspect of Reno divorces may confound people nowadays, and understanding divorce in that era is key to appreciating the film.While Young and March did very nicely, the supporting actors were not as appealing here. As mentioned, Robert Benchley, a true wit, wasn't very funny here at all. Allyn Joslyn, usually a very funny character actor (and here the "other man" seemed a bit too frantic here, and a chance for a great scene was missed when you only heard about him being arrested at what I assume was a house of ill repute, rather than saw him being arrested; it could have been very funny. Eve Arden also seemed a bit out of place here.But, don't get me wrong. This is a very watchable film, and it's worth your time to enjoy two fine actors who move toward a somewhat predictable ending.

I discovered Bedtime Story this morning on TCM quite by accident, and I couldn't have been more pleased. This is one of the most well-written, intelligent, marvelously-acted films I've ever seen, and I'm a devoted fan of old films; I'm always hoping to run across a wonderful film that I've never seen or heard of before, and Bedtime Story fit this criteria perfectly.Loretta Young and Fredric March have such sparkling chemistry together, and I was most impressed by March's comedic acting ability, as I've always associated him with great dramatic parts; to me, he always brought a kind of gravitas to the roles that I associated him with, so this was a pleasurable comedic turn to watch. The supporting cast was equally good, with the delightfully funny Robert Benchley and a sly Eve Arden injecting real energy into their parts.I rated this film a "9", but if I find myself enjoying it as much on repeated viewings, I might easily up that score to a personal "10", but I usually reserve 10's for what I consider "important" or groundbreaking films, or those which define a genre. For me, a "9" is a thoroughly enjoyable film that I would watch again and again, a film which gives me considerable pleasure. Don't miss it!

While watching this movie today, I noticed that the 'play within a play' scene that takes place is verbatim the scene in 'Theadora Goes Wild' when Irene Dunne blasts the ladies of the 'Garden Club'. I was amazed to find that none of the writers associated with the story/screenplay were credited for 'Theodora'. Loretta Young to me is always enjoyable no matter the caliber of movie in which she appears. I was disappointed in the casting of Fredric March. He always struck me as comfortable in dramatic roles but just not very good in comedic roles. He had the same uncomfortable quality in 'Nothing Sacred' and 'I Married a Witch'. Though these movies were entertaining it was the other cast members who carried the films.

All the previous commenters are right: you'll find some things to like here. Exactly which things they are will depend on what you're hoping for. I think Fredric March is terrific as Luke, for the same reason other folks didn't enjoy him so much -- he's not what you're expecting, perhaps because his buttoned-down good looks make a great foil for his deviousness. Here, in mid-career, March's role is the kind Harrison Ford occasionally takes to lighten up. Benchley's Benchley (that's a plus) and Eve Arden has a great turn as an actress who must absorb withering directorial scorn for no good reason. Loretta Young is where this potentially fizzy movie goes flat in spots. She's ladylike to a fault. After I saw this movie on TCM I decided it must've been written as a Powell-Loy vehicle -- theirs is the kind of chemistry that would've put more zip in this script. But March's performance is a treat.