Guest Wife (1945)
6/10
Amusing Little Film, and a Little Annoying
18 December 2014
Claudette Colbert is married to Richard Foran and is on her way on a second honeymoon when Richard's friend Don Ameche shows up minutes before they were supposed to leave for the train. It seems Claudette doesn't like to hear from him, as he is always asking Richard for help in his outlandish schemes. The latest one is that Don's boss thinks he's married, because not only did he tell him so, but he showed him a picture of his supposed wife. Claudette doesn't like the sound of this, and rightly so, because the picture of the lady in question is her. And, he now needs her to assist him to carry out this extended farce. Forced against her wishes, she goes with Don, leaving Richard behind due to a misunderstanding. Most of the rest of the film has Claudette with Don posing as his wife, while Richard is trying to get there. The film may sound pretty fun and laid-back with the stars involved, and while it does, it tries too hard to be zany and the situations feel forced, particularly when she decides to turn the tables on Don and act like she likes the position he's put her in. You could do a lot worse, even some of her own films. I've reviewed some of Claudette's pictures that are a lot worse, but considering the stars this feels more annoying in parts than it should. Chester Clute has a memorable bit as a shoe salesman on holiday in the big city, when he recognizes her, which would jeopardize her situation, and all he wants to do is check out her shoes and feet, because he knows his customers' feet! But all he can do is sneak about on the floor under the restaurants' tables, trying to get to her with no sense of direction, startling ladies and causing a commotion! "All I want to do is see her feet!" You may find this little film amusing, but by the end, you'll reach for something better.
4 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed