MISBEHAVING HUSBANDS

Cinemavixion Review

William Beaudine's 1940 comedy, "Misbehaving Husbands," offers a charmingly quaint look at marital misunderstandings, anchored by a commendable performance from Harry Langdon. The plot, centered on a department store owner's desperate attempt to explain away his amorous entanglement with a store mannequin, provides ample opportunity for lighthearted farce. Langdon's portrayal of a man caught between a rock and a hard place—or rather, a wife and a dress form—is subtly nuanced, conveying both panic and pathos. While the film may not boast the intricate plotting of later comedies, its straightforward premise, supported by Betty Blythe and Esther Muir, delivers a pleasant and diverting viewing experience. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Hollywood's more innocent, yet effective, comedic sensibilities.