Since I watched her in the Hitchcock film, "The 39 Steps (1935), I have admired Madeleine for her cool blond, sophisticated skill as an actress. "Honeymoon in Bali" was a very enjoyable film which did not telegraph its ending until the final scene, a tribute to the intelligent screenplay and writer.In some ways the plot is modern despite it being over 70 years old.There are still many career girls working in New York who are bright, but are emotionally lonely and always on the lookout for "Mr Right", I worked for an American Bank and met quite a few bright American girls in our London office (and was even propositioned by one).Madeleine Carroll is her own boss and has a highly successful well paid career and is loath to surrender it all up for a mere man!She has the sophisticated NYK accent off pat and plays her bright, intelligent and attractive self.
Love comes knocking in the shape of Fred MacMurray whom she meets in an expensive boat showroom in the heart of Manhattan.Madeleine has a best friend (Helen Broderick) who incautiously reminds her that her opera singing boyfriend (Allan Jones) has not put enough candles on the cake.The singing telegram scene is flat and without emotion despite Allan Jones giving an operatic version of "Happy Birthday".You sense Madeleine needs emotional fulfillment at this point.As to the candle discrepancy, in a bit of repartee worthy of Oscar Wilde, Madeleine retorts,"I always think one shouldn't have people around you know for too long".
Fred is the legal guardian of a little girl and asks whether Madeleine would temporarily look after her, but Madeleine must put her career first.Fred has worked in Bali and has a platonic relationship with a foreign girl who is already contemplating marriage to him.A window cleaner played by Akim Tamiroff cleans Madeleine's office windows and appears something of a philosopher who rates Fred but not Allan Jones.Gradually Madeleine becomes emotionally attached to Fred's little girl and even treks to his home in Bali when she realises she really loves him.
Although we cannot have a sad ending, in a denouement worthy of the great Jane Austen herself, the film ends leaving us with a feel-good factor, (although we are kept guessing right up to its end).A triumph for the great Madeleine Carroll sufficient to make Robert Donat really jealous!!
