The
romance of
Bearskin is the romance often associated with fairy tales:
kindliness and acceptance win the hero's heart (and an awful lot of
money). As mentioned in
The Frog King post it is a somewhat less common trope than assumed. But it is there.
It
is not all that interesting. The heroine seems to be rewarded for
little more than being in a good mood one day. Hooray for her. But
suppose she was tired that day? Or irritated at Bearskin getting dirt
all over an entryway she likely cleaned two hours earlier?
Does
Bearskin know what he is signing up for? He's marrying a woman who apparently doesn't have the sense God or genetics or freewill gave her to NOT get engaged to total strangers who might be con-men--or serial killers. Wouldn't Bearskin reach a point in
the marriage where he yelled, "Stop being so self-sacrificing all the
time! Good grief, woman, have you no sense?"
However, as in
many Davenport films, the relationship is saved by the actors'
portrayals. Bearskin comes across as straightforward and eager while the
daughter comes across as sweet-natured, down-to-earth, and a little reserved. So maybe
they have a chance.
