Opened: December 19, 1956

Directed by: Norman Taurog

Starring: Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Adolphe Menjou, Tommy Noonan, Nita Talbot, Una Merkel, Melville Cooper, Gil Stratton, Bill Goodwin, Howard McNear & Robert H. Harris

A case of misogyny and mistreatment in the workplace, Bundle of Joy has not aged well.

After being fired from her job, Polly Parish (Debbie Reynolds) finds a baby on the steps of an orphanage. When the workers believe it to be hers, they arrange her to be reinstated at work with her employer Dan Merlin (Eddie Fisher). Soon, Dan’s father J. B. (Adolphe Menjou) believes it’s Dan’s.

There’s a lot of mistaken identity in the film, which usually is cause for great comedy, but it doesn’t work with this plot. Viewers will sympathize with the always endearing Reynolds and fear for what will happen to this homeless baby.

In his first big acting role, Fisher doesn’t impress and only shines when he can sing.

Final say: It’s a bundle, but not a joyful one. ★★☆☆☆