A John M. Stahl Production. Copyright 8 August 1941 by Columbia Pictures Corp. New York opening at the Paramount: 17 September 1941. U.S. release: 28 August 1941. Australian release: 2 February 1942. 10 reels. 8,463 feet. 94 minutes. (Not available on a Sony DVD at press time).
SYNOPSIS: Estranged wife fakes a fall down the stairs in order to gain her ex-husband's sympathy and attention.
NOTES: The stage play opened at the Booth on 2 March 1933 and ran only 20 performances. Humphrey Bogart, Rose Hobart and June Walker starred in the roles now played by Douglas, Hussey and Drew respectively. Edward C. Lilley directed, Thomas Brotherton and Abe Halle produced.
COMMENT: The first half of this movie is an enjoyably sophisticated comedy of manners in which Wolfson's bright dialogue and keen observation keeps interest bubbling perkily, whilst Stahl handles his stars to perfection. Unfortunately, about 50 minutes in, this delightful prelude is ended and the play itself starts. A sort of female version of The Man Who Came To Dinner. And playing the female, Ellen Drew of all people. A lovely girl most assuredly, but certainly no distaff counterpart for Monty Woolley! If only Wolfson had jettisoned the dreary play entirely, and found some other gimmick to keep our true lovers temporarily apart for the Second Act.
Never mind, that introductory forty or fifty minutes is great, full of wonderful scenes, with Douglas, Hussey (beautifully photographed and gowned), Coburn and Hubbard in top form. Planer's photography is at its deep focus best, the sets are attractive, production values expansive, and Stahl handles it all with just the right touch -- hovering in perfect balance between sympathy and glee. Douglas manages this difficult balancing act between boorishness and charm, repulsion and sympathy with the grace of a master. Whoever said that Douglas in the late 30s and early 40s was no great actor and that he just walked through his roles like an immaculate tailor's dummy, should see the first half of Our Wife for a new and different Douglas, an actor who successfully brings off an almost impossibly difficult role with grace, with flair, with finesse, with style.
SYNOPSIS: Estranged wife fakes a fall down the stairs in order to gain her ex-husband's sympathy and attention.
NOTES: The stage play opened at the Booth on 2 March 1933 and ran only 20 performances. Humphrey Bogart, Rose Hobart and June Walker starred in the roles now played by Douglas, Hussey and Drew respectively. Edward C. Lilley directed, Thomas Brotherton and Abe Halle produced.
COMMENT: The first half of this movie is an enjoyably sophisticated comedy of manners in which Wolfson's bright dialogue and keen observation keeps interest bubbling perkily, whilst Stahl handles his stars to perfection. Unfortunately, about 50 minutes in, this delightful prelude is ended and the play itself starts. A sort of female version of The Man Who Came To Dinner. And playing the female, Ellen Drew of all people. A lovely girl most assuredly, but certainly no distaff counterpart for Monty Woolley! If only Wolfson had jettisoned the dreary play entirely, and found some other gimmick to keep our true lovers temporarily apart for the Second Act.
Never mind, that introductory forty or fifty minutes is great, full of wonderful scenes, with Douglas, Hussey (beautifully photographed and gowned), Coburn and Hubbard in top form. Planer's photography is at its deep focus best, the sets are attractive, production values expansive, and Stahl handles it all with just the right touch -- hovering in perfect balance between sympathy and glee. Douglas manages this difficult balancing act between boorishness and charm, repulsion and sympathy with the grace of a master. Whoever said that Douglas in the late 30s and early 40s was no great actor and that he just walked through his roles like an immaculate tailor's dummy, should see the first half of Our Wife for a new and different Douglas, an actor who successfully brings off an almost impossibly difficult role with grace, with flair, with finesse, with style.