The Bartered Bride and musical characterisations, and paid particular tribute to "Mr. Mahler", whose master hand was in evidence throughout. Mahler chose to play the overture between acts 1 and 2, so that latecomers might hear it. The opera was performed more than one hundred times during Smetana's lifetime (the first Czech opera to reach this landmark), subsequently becoming a permanent feature of the National Theatre's repertory. On 9 May 1945 a special performance in memory of the victims of World War II was given at the theatre, four days after the last significant fighting in Europe. In the years since its American
Bride Wars when Kermode included "Terminator Salvation" and "Couples Retreat" on his list by popular demand, "Bride Wars" still finished eighth, allowing him to keep his job. In one of the few positive reviews of the film, "Time" critic Mary Pols wrote, "At least, and this is something to be grateful for, "Bride Wars" deviates from the usual wedding-flick routine of maids of honor who should be the bride (or groom). And even though the catfighting goes over the top, the notion that a passionate female friendship can turn ugly in a heartbeat is, sadly, realistic." Apart from negative reviews, the film