Watch Secrets of Three Hungry Wives

Secrets of Three Hungry Wives is a delightful comedy-drama film released in 1978, directed by James Sheldon and starring Jessica Walter, Gretchen Corbett, and Eve Plumb. Set in the picturesque neighborhood of Meadowbrook, California, this movie takes viewers on a hilarious and heartwarming journey as three suburban housewives navigate their lives with secrecy, wit, and a dash of culinary enthusiasm.

Joan McCormick (Jessica Walter) is a kind-hearted and vivacious housewife who finds solace and excitement in her elaborate cooking and dinner parties. She revels in the sensuality of food, using it to express her creativity and channel her emotions. Joan's husband, Carl (played by Barry Primus), is a successful attorney who supports her hobbies but seems somewhat oblivious to the emotional turmoil beneath her culinary passion.

However, Joan's life takes an unexpected turn when a charming and flirtatious stranger, Richard (played by Dan Tobin), joins one of her cooking classes. Fascination quickly develops into a secret affair, adding a spicy twist to Joan's life. She finds herself torn between her responsibilities as a wife and her newfound happiness with Richard, leading her into a labyrinth of emotions and secret rendezvous.

Meanwhile, Joan's best friends and next-door neighbors, Sue Barker (Gretchen Corbett) and Debbie Benton (Eve Plumb), also grapple with their fair share of secrets and dilemmas. Sue is a dedicated homemaker and mother, determined to maintain a perfect façade of domesticity. Beneath her meticulously clean house and well-behaved children, however, Sue battles feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction in her seemingly idyllic life.

Debbie, on the other hand, is a free-spirited artist who rebels against society's expectations. Feeling trapped in her marriage with Sam (played by James Shigeta), Debbie dreams of pursuing her artistic passions and finding her true calling. With her mischievous nature and vibrant personality, she challenges the traditional norms of her suburban community, much to the dismay of her husband and the neighborhood gossipmongers.

As the film progresses, the lives of these three friends intertwine, revealing the vulnerabilities and strength within each of them. Secrets are exposed, relationships are tested, and unexpected consequences arise, shaking their worlds and forcing them to confront their true desires.

Secrets of Three Hungry Wives balances its comedic moments with genuine depth and emotional resonance. It explores themes of feminism, identity, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The vivid performances by Jessica Walter, Gretchen Corbett, and Eve Plumb bring these characters to life, infusing each scene with humor, tenderness, and relatability.

The film's setting in the serene neighborhood of Meadowbrook provides a visually appealing backdrop, juxtaposing the seemingly perfect lives of its inhabitants with the hidden complexities brewing beneath the surface. The skillful direction of James Sheldon artfully captures both the charm and the turmoil of suburban life, allowing viewers to become engrossed in the lives and secrets of these three captivating wives.

With its endearing characters, witty dialogue, and poignant exploration of the human spirit, Secrets of Three Hungry Wives remains a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. It offers a delightful escapade into the lives of three women as they navigate the challenges and joys of marriage, friendship, and self-discovery, leaving audiences both entertained and reflective on their own personal journeys.

Secrets of Three Hungry Wives is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.