Summary
In the nascent stages of their union, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph find their marital bliss overshadowed by Mrs. Randolph's pervasive and unfounded jealousy. Her suspicions ignite when a chance encounter—a stray cat leading Mr. Randolph to a brief, innocent conversation with their comely neighbor, Mrs. Bradin—is misinterpreted through her jaundiced eye. Convinced of infidelity where none exists, Mrs. Randolph's relentless accusations drive her bewildered husband to seek refuge at his club, effectively fracturing their home. Unwavering in her self-righteous wrath, she orchestrates a party, inviting the Bradins with the explicit intent of exposing what she believes to be her husband's illicit affections. However, the evening takes a farcical turn: Mr. Randolph demonstrates unwavering fidelity, while Mr. Bradin, in a comedic twist of fate and dim lighting, attempts to seduce his own wife, mistaking her for Mrs. Randolph. This absurd climax serves as a catalyst, ultimately reuniting the Randolphs on a foundation of renewed trust and a hard-won understanding, born from the crucible of their domestic strife.
Synopsis
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph are newly wed, and she, being of a jealous nature, is looking for the slightest hint of infidelity in her husband. One morning, he leaves for the office early and sees a cat, which closely resembles one that lately ran away from his wife. He follows the cat and discovers that it belongs to Mrs. Bradin, a comely neighbor, with whom he briefly chats. Mrs. Randolph sees them together and suspects her husband of infidelity, soon making his life so miserable that he takes up residence at his club. Mrs. Randolph, convinced of the righteousness of her wrath, then invites both her husband and the Bradins to a party, hoping to catch Mr. Randolph making love to Mrs. Bradin. Randolph proves himself to be the model of fidelity and attentiveness, and Mr. Bradin tries to seduce his own wife, mistaking her for Mrs. Randolph in the half light. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph are reunited, renewing their marriage on a better foundation of trust and understanding.
Review Excerpt
"Short answer: yes, Every Man's Wife is worth watching today, but with significant caveats that demand a certain appreciation for early cinema. This isn't a film for the casual viewer accustomed to modern pacing and dialogue; rather, it's a fascinating artifact best suited for silent film enthusiasts, students of film history, and those intrigued by early psychological dramas exploring domestic life. If you're looking for a fast-paced narrative or contemporary storytelling conventions, you'll lik..."
