'Bachelor Mother' is a 1939 movie starring Ginger Rogers and David Niven which is a perfect choice for New Years' viewing. I saw it for the first time years ago, when I was babysitting one New Years' Eve, and thought it was delightful. Recently, I was making a mental list of movies which had New Years' scenes in them, and this one came to mind, though I couldn't remember much about it-not even the name- except that it starred Ginger Rogers. Using that fact, I tracked it down and ordered a copy, which happily arrived right before Christmas. |
The plot centers on Polly Parish (Rogers), an employee of Merlin's Department Store, where she works in the toy department. It is Christmas Eve and, depressingly, she has just received notice that her position has been terminated. With no family to turn to for help, it is imperative that she find new employment quickly, so she heads to an employment agency on her lunch break. |
After cheerfully brushing off his father's lecture, David goes to his office where he finds a rep from the foundling home waiting for him. He tells David that one of his employees has abandoned her baby, and he believes she was driven to this by the loss of her job. Polly is called to David's office, and he tells her that her job has been reinstated, and she's getting a raise. He also tells her that her "Christmas gift" will be delivered to her that evening. Polly is confused, but not inclined to ask questions, just relieved to still be employed.