Recommendations
Senior Film Conservator

Ever since His Temporary Wife hit screens in 1920, fans have sought that same stylistic flair, the search for similar titles reveals the deep impact of Joseph Levering's direction. These recommendations provide a deep dive into the same stylistic territory occupied by His Temporary Wife.
Whether it's the stylistic flair or the thematic depth, this film to capture the existential zeitgeist of 1920.
Wealthy old Howard Eliot is so pleased with his young nurse Annabelle Rose that on his deathbed he bequeaths her an envelope with the caveat that it not be opened for sixty days. The remainder of his fortune is left to his son Arthur with the stipulation that he must marry anyone except his current girl friend, the fortune-hunting Verna Devore. In order to meet the requirements, Arthur places an advertisement for a temporary wife. Annabelle, in dire poverty, answers the ad and agrees to marry Arthur in name only. Once the ceremony is over, Arthur comes to appreciate the contrast between Annabelle's sweetness and Verna's greed, and finally realizes that he wants Annabelle for more than a temporary wife. When the sixty days are up, Annabelle discovers that she has been awarded the old man's fortune, and Arthur discovers that he has made the right choice.
The influence of Joseph Levering in His Temporary Wife can be felt in the way modern Comedy films handle stylistic flair. From the specific lighting choices to the pacing, this 1920 release set a high bar for atmospheric immersion.
Based on the unique stylistic flair of His Temporary Wife, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Comedy cinema:
Dir: Lloyd Ingraham
While walking along the street one day, Arthur P. Hampton, an impoverished young doctor, and his chums, Stub Masters and Johnny Stokes, are persuaded to part with their last remaining funds by tag day solicitor Mary Jane Smith, with whom the doctor promptly falls in love. Doc's friends then hit upon a get-rich-quick scheme. Knowing that his Uncle George has promised a large sum of money upon his nephew's marriage, they persuade Doc to send out fake wedding invitations naming Mary Jane as the blushing bride. Uncle George, elated at the good news, writes to Mary Jane's aunt, Angelica Burns, an old sweetheart, to invite Mary Jane and Angelica to be his guests on an ocean voyage. Meanwhile, Mary Jane pays a visit to the doctor's office and, upon seeing the wedding invitations, becomes so flustered that she trips and sprains her ankle. Doc comes to her rescue and then begs her to pose as his wife. She agrees, but at ship-side, Stub and Johnnie confess all to Uncle George, who flies into a rage until Doc announces that he and Mary Jane have chosen a wedding at sea.
View Details
Dir: Robert Thornby
Mary Willard takes over her father's railroad after his death. Her major competitor is a ruthless crook named Harvey Judson. She arranges for Judson to be kidnapped and taken to an isolated spot deep in the forest and turned loose to fend for himself. She accompanies the kidnappers to the wild and Judson, not knowing who she is, begins to fall in love with her. Complications ensue.
View Details
Dir: Malcolm St. Clair
A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.
View Details
Dir: Richard Smith
Two female candidates for Chief of Police live across the hall from each other, and their political rivalry follows them home, leading to plenty of hi-jinks.
View Details
Dir: Alfred J. Goulding
Two tramps wrest a pistol from a hold up man, then try to pull a stick up of their own, unfortunately for them, a cop appears and takes the money back and then chases them through a park with a lake. One steals canoe and the chase continues when a mob of cops go after him in more boats.
View Details
Dir: Vernon Stallings
Krazy Kat is held in jail and Ignatz finally bails him out after encountering "guilt".
View Details
Dir: Joseph Levering
About Father Conway, a crusading priest, in a world of change. Industrial agitators, politic up-rise, revolutions passing by.
View Details
Dir: Joseph Levering
Sis, a poor orphaned country girl, is shunned by all the other children in the small town where she lives. It is Sis's ambition to become a famous actress, and when an opportunity arises for her to go the city, she seizes it. There she secures a position as a maid in a theatrical boardinghouse. Among the boarders are Jim, a leading man; Ned, an out of work actor; and Flossie, an ingenue. One morning while rehearsing, Jim sees Sis sweeping the floor and persuades the girl to help him rehearse his lines. Her acting talent astonishes him, and he begins to see real promise in her. Sis's future looks grim, however, when she is accused of stealing Flossie's jewelry. Sis is saved by Jim who discovers that Ned is the real thief. Upon Sis's release, Flossie is taken ill and Sis fills in for her on stage, becoming an instant success. Sis's happiness is then made complete when Jim pledges his love to her.
View Details
Dir: Unknown Director
The Judge needs a present for his wife's birthday, so Harry suggests a new corset. They go to the shop, but he's so embarrassed to ask the saleslady he hides in a phone booth.Harry goes in, but finds a GUY wearing one, and runs out.They both dress as women to get back in, but Mrs. Rummy gets there and chases him out.
View DetailsAnalysis relative to His Temporary Wife
| Film Title | Atmosphere | Complexity | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary's Ankle | Surreal | High | 86% Match |
| The Deadlier Sex | Gothic | Layered | 97% Match |
| On Strike | Gothic | Linear | 92% Match |
| Don't Weaken! | Tense | Dense | 89% Match |
| Lunatics in Politics | Ethereal | Dense | 97% Match |
This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Joseph Levering's archive. Last updated: 5/25/2026.
Back to His Temporary Wife Details →