Paging a Wife Review: A Complicated Comedy with Humor and Heartbreak

Paging a Wife: A 1939 Comedy Caper

Short answer: Yes, but the film's charms are somewhat undermined by its predictable plot and underdeveloped romantic subplot. If you're a fan of classic screwball comedies, this could be a fun watch, but be prepared for a story that's more about the laughs than the love.

Is this film worth watching?

Short answer: Yes, but the film's charms are somewhat undermined by its predictable plot and underdeveloped romantic subplot. If you're a fan of classic screwball comedies, this could be a fun watch, but be prepared for a story that's more about the laughs than the love.

This film works because: It offers a mix of situational humor, clever plot twists, and a compelling central performance by Hilliard Karr, who brings a sense of desperation and charm to the role of Al.

This film fails because: The romantic subplot is underdeveloped and feels forced, and the plot becomes overly convoluted, making it hard to keep track of the different characters and their motivations.

You should watch it if: You're a fan of classic screwball comedies and enjoy a good, old-fashioned caper story.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Paging a Wife (1925) through its definitive frames.

Acting and Character Development

Hilliard Karr delivers a strong performance as Al, a man in a desperate situation trying to maintain his cover. His interactions with the traffic cop, played by Charles King, are particularly amusing, showcasing the tension and the quick wit required to maintain the illusion. Lillian Worth, as Al's wife, adds a layer of complexity to the story, making her return a pivotal moment in the plot. However, the romantic subplot between Al and the traffic cop, played by Al Alt, feels somewhat contrived and doesn't quite gel with the rest of the story.

Directing and Pacing

Under the direction of Charles Lamont, the film maintains a fast pace, keeping the audience engaged with a series of comedic situations. The quick editing and well-timed punchlines contribute to the film's overall energy, making it a fun watch despite its flaws. However, the pacing can become uneven at times, with moments of humor outweighing the dramatic tension that could have made the story more compelling.

Cinematography and Tone

The film's cinematography is serviceable, capturing the bustling streets and the various locations where the story unfolds. The tone of the film is consistently light and humorous, with a touch of romance that occasionally feels out of place. The film's visual style, with its crisp black-and-white photography and clear focus, perfectly complements the comedic elements of the story.

Comparisons and Context

Compared to other films: Paging a Wife shares some similarities with other classic screwball comedies of the era, such as A Kiss for Susie and Love of Women. These films also feature witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and strong performances. However, Paging a Wife's reliance on a single central character, Al, makes it stand out from the crowd.

Is this film worth watching?

Paging a Wife is a fun watch, particularly for fans of classic screwball comedies. It offers a mix of situational humor and clever plot twists, but the romantic subplot is underdeveloped, and the plot becomes overly convoluted at times. If you enjoy a good, old-fashioned caper story, this film might be worth your time, but be prepared for a story that's more about the laughs than the love.

Key Takeaways

• Best for: Fans of classic screwball comedies, those who enjoy fast-paced, witty dialogue, and those who appreciate strong, central characters.
• Not for: Those looking for a deep, emotional connection between the characters, those who prefer a more straightforward romantic subplot, and those who find overly convoluted plots difficult to follow.
• Standout element: Hilliard Karr's performance as Al, a man in a desperate situation trying to maintain his cover.
• Biggest flaw: The underdeveloped romantic subplot and the overly convoluted plot, which can make it hard to keep track of the different characters and their motivations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong central performance by Hilliard Karr
• Clever plot twists and situational humor
• Fast-paced editing and well-timed punchlines
• Well-complementing visual style with crisp black-and-white photography and clear focus

Cons:

• Underdeveloped romantic subplot
• Overly convoluted plot, making it hard to keep track of the different characters and their motivations
• Predictable plot, despite the clever twists

Verdict

While Paging a Wife offers a mix of situational humor, clever plot twists, and a compelling central performance, it falls short in its handling of the romantic subplot and the overly convoluted plot. If you're a fan of classic screwball comedies and enjoy a good, old-fashioned caper story, this film might be worth your time, but be prepared for a story that's more about the laughs than the love.