Our Wife (1941 film)

1941 film by John M. Stahl

August 4, 1941 (1941-08-04)

Running time

95 minutesCountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglish

Our Wife is a 1941 American romantic comedy film directed by John M. Stahl and starring Melvyn Douglas, Ruth Hussey and Ellen Drew.^[1] It was produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Synopsis

When a composer comes up with a hit, his ex-wife sets out to break up his romance with another woman and get him back.

Cast

Melvyn Douglas as Jerome "Jerry" Marvin
Ruth Hussey as Professor Susan Drake
Ellen Drew as Babe Marvin
Charles Coburn as Professor Drake
John Hubbard as Tom Drake
Harvey Stephens as Dr. Cassell
Theresa Harris as Hattie
Crauford Kent as Dr. Jenkins, Ship's Doctor
Lawrence Grant as Dr. Holgarth
Edward Fielding as Dr. Mandel
Lloyd Bridges as Taxicab Driver
Betty Blythe as Shipboard Passenger
Hobart Cavanaugh as Shipboard Passenger
Grace Darmond as Shipboard Passenger
Cyril Ring as Shipboard Passenger
Martin Garralaga as Cuban Driver
Pedro Regas as Cuban Driver
Roland Varno as Steward
Irving Bacon as Doorman
George Beranger as Waiter

Reception

Bosley Crowther panned the film in The New York Times, writing, "the idea is one which would barely carry a ten-minute vaudeville skit. 'Our Wife' has grounds to sue its writers for non-support." He did praise Hussey and Douglas's performances, "considering that they have very little, or nothing, to do it with", but felt that Drew was "pleasant to look on but hard to take as the crafty wife".^[2]

References

^ Babington & Barr p.204
^ Bosley Crowther (September 18, 1941). "' Our Wife,' a Slim Comic Effort, at the Paramount -- Tragedy Stalks Dr. Kildare, at Loew's Criterion". The New York Times.