LONELY WIVES

Cinemavixion Review

Released in 1931, "Lonely Wives" is a Pre-Hays Code comedy that playfully explores themes of mistaken identity and marital deception. Director Russell Mack crafts a narrative centered on Edward Everett Horton's dual performance as a respectable lawyer and his flamboyant impersonator, hired to placate his mother-in-law while he pursues other romantic interests. The film's premise, as detailed in its description and corroborated by external plot summaries, hinges on escalating comedic chaos when Horton's character's wife returns unexpectedly. The ensemble cast, including Esther Ralston and Laura La Plante, navigates the increasingly absurd situations with comedic timing. While the external data notes a 6.2 rating on IMDb, suggesting a modest reception, the film's early 1930s context and its departure from later censorship codes offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of cinematic comedy. It's a delightful, albeit chaotic, romp that showcases Horton's versatility and the era's less restrained comedic sensibilities.