Watch Three Husbands

Three Husbands is a 1950 American comedy film directed by Irving Reis and starring a cast led by Eve Arden, Ruth Warrick, and Vanessa Brown. The film showcases the comedic talents of its leading actors and dives into themes of love, jealousy, and the dynamics of marriage. This description will provide an overview of the film's premise, characters, and thematic elements without revealing key plot details or spoilers.

At the heart of the narrative is the captivating premise that connects the lives of the three leading characters. The story begins when a playboy named Max passes away. Max was a charismatic man who lived his life to the fullest, without much concern for the conventions of society. With his passing, he decides to leave behind a mischievous posthumous 'gift' for his three best friends, each of whom is married.

As the executor of Max's will reads his final message, it comes to light that Max has claimed to have had an affair with each of their wives. This revelation sets off a chain reaction of jealousy and suspicion among the three husbands. The audience is introduced to the husbands: Kenneth, Arthur, and Dan, each of whom is distinct in their personality and approach to life and marriage.

Ken is a confident and successful businessman, often preoccupied with work and maintaining control over his surroundings, including his marriage to the lovely Jane. Arthur is a middle-aged, somewhat henpecked husband who is comfortable yet slightly bored with his routine life with his wife Mary. And Dan is a free-spirited, jovial character married to the young and beautiful Addie.

The wives, respectively portrayed by Ruth Warrick, Eve Arden, and Vanessa Brown, are equally diverse in their personalities. Jane is elegant and poised, hinting at a depth beneath her polished exterior. Mary is a smart and witty woman who can hold her own in any conversation, often with a dose of sarcasm. And Addie is youthful and vivacious, bringing a sense of light-heartedness to the group.

With the seeds of doubt planted by Max, the husbands begin to question the fidelity of their wives. Each husband is faced with the task of assessing his marriage and coming to terms with the uncertainty that has been cast upon them. As they navigate their suspicions and insecurities, the film delves into the concepts of trust and commitment.

Moreover, Three Husbands humorously explores the social norms of the time, providing a satirical look at the institution of marriage. The film pokes fun at the double standards and expectations placed upon men and women in romantic relationships. Much of the movie's humor is derived from both the absurdity of the situation and the everyday interactions between the couples.

The wives are not passive players in this narrative. They respond to the unsettling news in their ways, each displaying a degree of agency that adds another layer of intrigue to the story. As they contend with their fretful husbands, the audience is treated to a series of misunderstandings and comic mishaps that further entangle the characters in a web of confusion.

While the movie contains elements of farce, it maintains a degree of warmth and genuine human emotion. Throughout the comedic turmoil, the film also manages to touch upon the strength and resilience inherent in longstanding relationships. The characters are forced to reckon with the imperfections of their partners and the nature of forgiveness.

As is typical of comedy films from the '50s, Three Husbands offers a window into the era's cultural landscape, including the fashion, architecture, and social decorum that characterized post-war America. The film also features carefully constructed scenes and dialogue that embody the fast-paced wit of classic Hollywood comedies. Additionally, the performances by the cast members add depth to the storyline, with each actor bringing their unique charm to the proceedings.

In sum, Three Husbands is a playful romp through a tangled web of romance and matrimonial chaos. It combines elements of screwball comedy with social commentary, crafting a delightful tale that is as much about the misunderstandings as it is about the reconciliations that follow. With a sparkling cast and a storyline that keeps viewers guessing, the film is a testament to the timeless nature of love and the idiosyncrasies of married life.

Three Husbands is a 1950 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.