Watch Don't Change Your Husband
- NR
- 1919
- 1 hr 11 min
-
6.5 (1,252)
Don't Change Your Husband is a silent film released in 1919 and directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The movie is a comedy that deals with the issues of marriage and divorce through the lens of the upper class in America. The story follows Leila Porter (Gloria Swanson), a wealthy socialite who is married to James Denby Porter (Elliott Dexter), a successful businessman. Leila is unhappy in her marriage and feels that James is not the man she once fell in love with. She is particularly annoyed by his lack of style and refinement compared to other men in her social circle.
One day, Leila meets Schuyler Van Sutphen (Lew Cody), a dashing and sophisticated gentleman who immediately catches her attention. Schuyler is everything James is not, and Leila begins to fall for him. However, before she can act on her feelings, James decides to change his ways and become a more refined man.
James undergoes a complete transformation, shedding his rough exterior and adopting manners and fashion that Leila finds more appealing. At first, Leila is thrilled with the changes and begins to see James in a new light. However, as time goes on, Leila realizes that there might be more to a successful marriage than just looks and social status.
Don't Change Your Husband is a film that uses humor and satire to poke fun at the social mores of the time. The movie is particularly interesting as it was released during the Roaring Twenties, a time of significant cultural change in the United States. The film's message was that people should not make decisions based on superficial appearances, but on deeper values and character.
The movie stars three of the biggest names in silent film at the time. Elliott Dexter was a popular leading man who had starred in over 200 films by the time Don't Change Your Husband was released. Gloria Swanson was a rising star who would go on to become one of the most significant actresses of the era. Lew Cody was a character actor who played a variety of supporting roles in the silent films of the time.
The film was also notable for its technical achievements. Director Cecil B. DeMille was known for his attention to detail and his lavish sets, and Don't Change Your Husband was no exception. The movie featured elaborate costumes and sets, and DeMille used a variety of cinematic techniques to add depth and visual interest to the film.
Despite its status as a comedy, Don't Change Your Husband deals with some serious themes, including divorce and infidelity. The movie's message was controversial at the time, as it suggested that women should be able to make their own decisions about their marriages and not be bound by convention. The film caused a stir when it was released, but it was also a box office success and helped establish Gloria Swanson as one of the era's most significant actresses.
Overall, Don't Change Your Husband is a classic silent film that deals with the themes of marriage and divorce in a humorous and satirical way. The movie's message of looking beyond superficial appearances and valuing character and values remains relevant today. The film's elaborate sets and technical achievements, along with its all-star cast, make it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of cinema.
Don't Change Your Husband is a 1919 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.