Beulah Bondi didn't play the mother of James Stewart's character in the 1941 film "Penny Serenade", an American melodrama that was directed by George Stevens. It stars Irene Dunne as Julie Adams and Cary Grant as Roger Adams. They are a loving couple who must overcome adversity to keep their marriage and raise a child.

In the film, the Adams couple apply at an adoption agency for a two-year-old boy. They receive a call from Miss Oliver (Beulah Bondi) that a five-week-old baby girl is available. Bad things happen and Miss Oliver helps the couple overcome problems.

"Penny Serenade" was produced by Stevens with a screenplay from Morrie Ryskind. It was based on a 1940 'McCall's Magazine" story tilted "Penny Serenade" by Martha Cheavens. Besides Dunne, Grant, and Bondi, film co-stars include Edgar Buchanan and Ann Doran. Additionally, Joseph Walker performed cinematography and Otto Meyer handled editing. Music was by W. Franke Harling. Film production and distribution were completed by Columbia Pictures.

This film was a box office hit. Grant was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. He didn't win. In 1998, "Penny Serenade" was selected for preservation in the US Library of Congress' National Film Registry.

"Penny Serenade" was one of three film pairings co-starring Grant & Dunne. Respectively, the three films are "The Awful Truth" (1937), "My Favorite Wife" (1940), and "Penny Serenade". In each film, Grant & Dunne play a married couple.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org