I Was a Mail Order Bride Ending Explained: On a bet with one of his practical-joking partners, a Los Angeles lawyer responds to an ad from a pretty Chicago magazine writer offering herself as a bridal candidate as an investigative reporting assignment, and then makes another bet that he can keep the relationship platonic for two weeks. Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky, this 1982 comedy film stars Valerie Bertinelli (Kate Tosconi), alongside Ted Wass as Robert Fitzgerald, Holland Taylor as Dottie Birmingham, Sam Wanamaker as Frank Tosconi. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of I Was a Mail Order Bride?

On a bet with one of his practical-joking partners, a Los Angeles lawyer responds to an ad from a pretty Chicago magazine writer offering herself as a bridal candidate as an investigative reporting assignment, and then makes another bet that he can keep the relationship platonic for two weeks.

How Does Valerie Bertinelli (Kate Tosconi)'s Story End?

  • Valerie Bertinelli: Valerie Bertinelli's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Ted Wass (Robert Fitzgerald): Ted Wass's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Holland Taylor (Dottie Birmingham): Holland Taylor's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of I Was a Mail Order Bride Mean?

I Was a Mail Order Bride's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Valerie Bertinelli may feel rushed. Marvin J. Chomsky's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.