An anytime bore if ever there was one, this is a Clayton's sex comedy – namely the sex comedy you have when you're not having a sex comedy. In fact, the word "sex" is never so much as breathed, let alone mentioned. Indeed, we are given to understand that although the thoughts of both protagonists (played respectively by Ty Power and Linda Darnell) may have strayed towards marital indiscretions, no such indiscretions have actually taken place. Mind you, the movie does provide a good reason for straying. The wife won't even allow her husband to sleep with her. Oddly, this fact is not pointed out in the dialogue at all, although it is visually presented to our amazed eyes at least a dozen times. (I was going to say at least fifty times, but maybe that's a slight exaggeration). In all, Day- Time Wife (a true title if ever there was one) is a forced, witless excuse for a comedy. Although it is beautifully photographed by Miss Darnell's husband, Pev Marley, and gloriously mounted (Royer costumes, Wright sets), the mindless chatter and hokey plot wears out long before the movie is even half over. What makes it watchable, however, is sixteen-year-old Linda Darnell. Never has such a beauty been so eloquently captured by a movie camera, either before or since, at such a young age. (This one was available on a Fox DVD at a special low price for insomniacs, but I understand it has now sold out.)
Review of Day-Time Wife
