Our Wife (1941 film) explained

Our Wife
Director:	John M. Stahl
Producer:	John M. Stahl Irving Starr
Starring:	Melvyn Douglas Ruth Hussey Ellen Drew
Music:	Leo Shuken
Cinematography:	Franz Planer
Editing:	Gene Havlick
Studio:	Columbia Pictures
Distributor:	Columbia Pictures
Runtime:	95 minutes
Country:	United States
Language:	English

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]

Bibliography

• Babington, Bruce & Barr, Charles. The Call of the Heart: John M. Stahl and Hollywood Melodrama. Indiana University Press, 2018.

Notes and References

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