Child Bride

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"A THROBBING DRAMA OF SHACKLED YOUTH!"
  • 1938
  • 1 hr 2 min
  • 4.5  (1,059)

Child Bride is a drama film that was released in 1938, directed by Harry Revier, and stars Shirley Mills, Bob Bollinger, and Warner Richmond. The movie tells the story of a community in the rural south, where underage girls are regularly forced into marriage with much older men. The plot follows the character of Jennie Colton, a 12-year-old girl living in the mountains with her family. She is engaged to marry Jake Bolby, a man in his thirties, who has paid her father for the right to marry her. The marriage is planned to take place on Jennie's 13th birthday.

Jennie's schoolteacher and close friend Freddie, who is also in love with her, is horrified by the situation and he contacts the sheriff to investigate. Meanwhile, Jennie's childhood comes to an end as she is forced to leave school and begin preparations for her wedding.

As the investigation by the sheriff continues, we are introduced to the corrupt local justice system and the poverty-stricken families who see child marriage as a way to improve their financial situation. Several other girls in the community have already been through the same ordeal and are now living in abusive relationships. It becomes clear that the adults in the community are struggling with issues of power and control, and they are not willing to change their destructive ways.

Despite the harsh realities of the world around her, Jennie remains optimistic and naive, dreaming of a better life. The scenes in which Jennie interacts with her friends and family are tender and heartwarming, highlighting her innocence and vulnerability. The audience is left with a sense of sadness and helplessness, as the young girl's future seems sealed before she has even had a chance to make a choice.

The film's climax sees Jake and his accomplice, who is planning to sell Jennie to a brothel, being confronted by a group of lawmen. In a tense and violent finale, the two fugitives are killed, and Jennie is saved.

Child Bride is a challenging movie that tackles the difficult topics of child marriage, poverty, and abuse. It is remarkable that a movie made in the 1930s had the courage to delve into such a contentious issue. Throughout the film, director Harry Revier avoids sensationalism and instead focuses on the human emotions and complex relationships of the characters. The movie is driven by the performances of the child actors, with Shirley Mills delivering a remarkable performance in the leading role.

The black and white cinematography, although dated, is atmospheric and effective in conveying the oppressive conditions of the mountain community. The score, composed by Abe Meyer, adds to the film's tension and underscores the emotions of the characters.

In conclusion, Child Bride, although not perfect, stands out as an important and thought-provoking film that highlighted a social problem that was often overlooked at the time. It may leave viewers feeling uncomfortable and saddened, but it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and protecting the defenseless.

Child Bride is a 1938 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.

Child Bride
Description
Where to Watch Child Bride
Child Bride is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at FlixFling and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Child Bride for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1938
  • Runtime
    1 hr 2 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.5  (1,059)
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