Charming, college-educated Ross Alexander (as Bill McAllister) has everything going for him except a job. His wealthy uncle Joseph Cawthorn (as Fred Schultz) likes his only heir, but is tired of paying Mr. Alexander's bills. When Alexander charges an expensive engagement ring to his account, tongue-tied Uncle Cawthorn cuts him off. The ring is for pretty blonde Anita Louise (as Hazel Robinson), but she has an offer from another suitor; responsible Richard "Dick" Purcell (as Randolph "Doc" Jenkins) is also preferred by Ms. Louise's parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart (as John "Jackie Boy" and Ella Robinson)...Alexander decides to use flattery to his advantage...What makes this fine adaptation of Barry Conners' Broadway success "Applesauce" (1925) work so well is the use of flattery for something not as sinister as the clever trickster in Aesop's fables; with an especially engaging performance, a smooth-talking Alexander keeps you on his side. The empathetic moment when Alexander seems to accept his loss, and pauses outside her home, is a highlight. Louise is irresistible, with her eavesdropping and next scene with Alexander very well-played. Support from others is excellent, and you get a chance to see future favorite June Lockhart's parents acting together (as Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson).******** Brides Are Like That (3/22/36) William McGann ~ Ross Alexander, Anita Louise, Joseph Cawthorn, Gene Lockhart

Badly dated romantic comedy, based on play, about a shiftless, fast-talking young man who can;t seem to hold a job. Nor does he really want to. He lives off a well-do-do uncle. Ross Alexander, a sort of precursor to Bob Hope, plays the golf-loving lad. Most of the movie is taken up with a love triangle: Alexander, Anita Louise as the fetching daughter of a banker played by Gene Lockhart and a young doctor played by Dick Purcell. The movie is very stage-bound, and nothing much really happens. The best that can be said of it is that Alexander delivers his lines like a machine gunner on speed, and Lockhart and the fellow playing Alexander's uncle make good foils. Louise is amazingly pretty under all that '30s makeup and hairdo. The ending is abrupt and unsatisfying. I hate to think the play ended the same way.

Made a couple years into the movie code enforcement, we'll have to keep those expectations in check. About this time, the plays were all turned into movies, and a lot was lost in translation. Lots of FAST talking. Anita Louise is Hazel. Watch for real husband and wife team Gene and Kathleen Lockhart in this one. Ross Alexander is the dashing lover- boy Bill McAllister, who is all over Hazel. Alexander and his second wife both committed suicide by gunshot, acc to Wikipedia.org and IMDb, which is pretty freaky....because... in "Brides Are Like That", he ACTUALLY SAYS " Cheer up, honey. I'm not going to shoot myself" when Hazel turns down his marriage proposal. Truth is stranger than fiction. Dick Purcell is Randoph Jenkins, to whom she has promised herself. Written by Barry Conners, who had also written a couple of the Charlie Chans. Directed by William McGann who worked in various positions in the silents. It's OK... Best performances here were by Joe Crehan and Gene Lockhart the costume party dance. Looks like this was remade as "Always A Bride" with George Reeves, the original Superman; haven't seen that one; will have to try to catch it.

Light weight comedy by Warner Brothes (WB) featuring second tier Stars ROSS Alexander and ANITA LOUISE. Those two (2) form the romantic lead couple. They are supported by 'Character Actors' whose shtick in these films is standard for the time. The sole interesting note is the film featured Husband and Wife, GENE & KATHLEEN LOCKHART, yes JUNE's Parents.Independent Spirit Bill McAllister (ROSS) loves Hazel Robinson (LOUISE) vying for her affection with Dr. Randolf Jenkins (DICK PURCELL). Both his Uncle and her Parents object. Why, because he has no hook to hang his hat on and no prospects of getting one. That does not stop Hazel though and the triumph of their inevitable marriage is a fantasy that only could occur in the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood. Want the details, watch the film. It is only 67" long.ROSS Alexander a couple years earlier was being brought up through the WB star system. By 1936 and the BRIDES ARE LIKE THAT he had been regulated to the second tier. ROSS's style was reminiscent of WILLIAM HAINES, late of MGM. The irresponsible 'Gay Blade' who by 'pluck & luck' overcomes all obstacles and triumphs by the end of the last reel. MR. HAINES was forced out of the business because of his homosexuality, but became a successful interior decorator. MR. ROSS could not handle the failing of his career and personal life. On January 02, 1937 decided the rest of the year and his life were not worth viewing. Lead poisoning too his temple solved his conflict.