Watch Borrowed Wives

Borrowed Wives is a 1930 American classic romantic comedy-drama, directed by Frank R. Strayer and produced by Trem Carr, distributed by Tiffany Pictures. The film stars a young and dashing Rex Lease (Jimmie Rand) as the protagonist, Vera Reynolds (Mary Brown) as the beautiful romantic interest and Paul Hurst (Joe) as the villainous antagonist.

The plot of the movie is based on a clichéd and predictable love triangle. Jimmie, who is a songwriter by profession, meets Mary, a seamstress, and they both fall in love with each other. However, their happiness is short-lived when Mary is forced to marry the wealthy and powerful Joe, who is already married.

As Jimmie and Mary part ways, Jimmie decides to take revenge by borrowing Joe's wife, Ruth, played by the lovely Hazel Howell, and making it seem like he is having an affair with her. Jimmie's plan backfires, and Joe finds out about the affair, leading to a chain of comedic events and misunderstandings.

Mary, on the other hand, is stuck in an unhappy marriage with Joe, who is controlling and abusive towards her. She falls ill, and Jimmie visits her, leading to more misunderstandings between Joe and Jimmie. The movie then takes several twists and turns, leading to a somewhat predictable yet enjoyable climax.

Borrowed Wives is a fun watch and an excellent example of the romantic-comedy genre of its era. The film is relatively short, spanning only around 65 minutes, making it convenient to watch for movie buffs who enjoy classic cinema.

The movie features some excellent performances from its cast, most notably the charming and charismatic Rex Lease, who was a prominent actor in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He delivers a believable performance, making the audience root for his character throughout the movie. Vera Reynolds also does an excellent job in portraying the damsel in distress.

Director Frank R. Strayer, who was known for his work in B-films, does a decent job in keeping the story moving at a steady pace. While some scenes may seem absurd and ridiculous by modern standards, they were a natural representation of the romantic-comedy genre in the 1930s.

The music in the film is catchy and fits well with the tone of the movie. The song "Borrowed Wives," which is sung by Rex Lease, is a standout track that sets the mood for the movie's humorous and romantic elements.

While the movie's plot is straightforward and derivative, the performances and direction make it an enjoyable watch. It is a perfect pick for those who want a light-hearted and feel-good movie experience.

In terms of production value, Borrowed Wives is a typical B-movie of the era. The movie's sets and costumes are decent, but they do not stand out in any way. The cinematography is basic, with static shots and little creativity or experimentation. However, this is not uncommon in B-movies of the era, and Borrowed Wives is no exception.

Overall, Borrowed Wives is a fun and charming movie that pays tribute to the romantic-comedy genre of the 1930s. It may not have the sophistication and style of modern romantic-comedies, but it makes up for it in its sincere performances and light-hearted demeanor. It is a must-watch for classic cinema enthusiasts and those who enjoy wholesome entertainment.

Borrowed Wives is a 1930 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.