Hired Wife

It's a strange fact that this film immediately proceeds Rosalind Russel's perhaps most noteworthy film, "His Girl Friday," yet this one doesn't even have a Wikipedia link, and so far only has one review on this website. After all, she gave an impressive performance in that notorious film, and I am completely vexed as to how that role didn't grant her massive attention from the masses, though it seems this film was made by Universal, which wasn't exactly a top-drawer as far as I understand.

Nevertheless, if you happen to have come across this film or have divulged any interest in watching it, I would encourage your desire and eagerly anticipate your enjoyment. After all, this film really is quite swell, even if it isn't particularly a classic in any way. Its plot is screwball, to be sure, with aspects of the Comedy of Remarriage thrown in for good measure, such is the widespread appeal of that genre at this time. While I cannot attest to the picture quality being excellent-- naturally this film lacked the MGM sheen, or even the crispness of some Paramount or Columbia features-- that doesn't detract from any pleasure you might find herein. Naturally I assume that given Rosalind Russel's starring in this film it would most appeal to her fans, and if you are caught in her own particular spell you will no doubt appreciate her character here, which is embodied by the typical qualities which this actress is so renown at invoking, such as her being a strong, coordinated, wise-cracking woman of competence yet who retains an essential romantic, traditionalized passion underneath it all; to be sure, this is a typical Roz role.

Even further surprising is the fact that at least two of the other actors herein are recognizable as appearing in several other films, by which I understand Virginia Bruce and Robert Benchley to be those. All in all, this film is typical of its time, certainly being the type of story that only could have ever been produced before the horrors of the war about to be fought, and if you enjoy such a circumstance; such a setting; such a plot; such characters-- then I cannot understand why you should not watch this film, or join me in wondering why it wasn't successful, or given more attention.

Stephen Dexter (Brian Aherne) owns a big company and has never paid his very competent personal secretary, Kendal (Rosalind Russell), a moment's notice. Instead, he is suddenly interested in a blonde, Phyllis (Virginia Bruce) and Kendal is not happy. But instead of saying anything, she tries to sabotage the relationship. This SHOULD have convinced Stephen that Kendal had the hots for him when he discovers this, but despite being good in business, he is an idiot when it comes to women.

A bit later, the idiot Stephen learns that his company is vulnerable to a possible hostile takeover. So, to save his butt, he realizes he could hide many of his assets if he gets married and proposed a very business-like arrangement with Kendal--marry him but it will be in name only. Not exactly Mr. Romance, huh? Well, Kendal agrees...but also has plans of her own and they DON'T involve just getting married for his convenience...and he realizes this when she suddenly refuses to grant him a divorce! And, in those days, that meant he was in serious trouble!

While I liked this film, I did not love it and have seen similar sorts of movies from the era that worked better. What is the big problem? Well, the ending (which is a foregone conclusion) comes way too abruptly. It seemed almost like the director realized the film was running on long enough and just decided to wrap it up and call it a day! Enjoyable...but nothing more.

Rosalind Russell (Kendal) stars as the secretary who has to marry her boss, Brian Ahearne (Stephen), in order to prevent a takeover of his company. The problem is that Ahearne is completely besotted with model Virginia Bruce (Phyllis) and has no time for Russell. He sees the marriage purely as a business proposal and it will be ended just as soon as his rivals back off. John Carroll (Jose) joins in the fun as an ally of Russell's and between them they make it difficult for Ahearne and Bruce to spend time together.

The film is funny, aided by a good cast, especially Russell in the lead role. John Carroll's Spanish playboy is totally unconvincing but he does get a lot of mileage out of the role. As regards the story, you can tell what is going to happen but just go with it on its journey.

Very cute comedy that stretches credibility beyond the breaking point but still is loaded with charm due to the breezy performances of all the players.

Best of all and driving the movie is Rosalind Russell in the type of role that became her signature: the fiercely competent, take care gal who also happened to be deeply romantic and fighting to get the guy she's set her sights on. Some of her machinations are outlandish but since she plays them straight she manages to put them across.

She's well matched with the debonair Brian Aherne, not only a suave leading man but because of his 6 ft 3 in height someone the statuesque Rosalind paired up well with visually. Virginia Bruce is wry and knowing as a gold digging model and Robert Benchley funny as Aherne's lawyer. The real standout in support is John Carroll, a secondary leading man for most of his career he's full of goofy charm as a former beau of Roz's character displaying a comic finesse that Hollywood didn't take advantage of.

A cute studio movie that helped its star hone her screen persona following directly after her one-two punch of The Women and His Girl Friday.

Haven't even watched the whole thing yet, but there are a few ways I know I will like it. One, it's a movie made in the Golden age of Hollywood - and even the so-called bad movies from that. Are good compared to some movies of today. There really was no such thing as a truly bad movie from that time. Two, it's a romance, and romance is always good. And three, it's Rosalind Russell! Anything starring Rosalind Russell usually hits the spot with me.

So, I'm looking forward to enjoying this - because I know I will!

Update: I was right! I really like this! It's such a simple movie, that you need to be in a simple mindset and in a lazy mood to really enjoy it. But this is a good, lazy afternoon or late night getting ready for bed movie. It just puts you in a easy going, worry free mood, because you just know that everyone is going to be okay in the end. And this is the feeling that you come away with, when watching a light movie like this. Thank God for them! This movie had a way of making me believe in love more as well. Anything that can do that is a good thing!

And Rosalind Russell does her best Mae West voice in this movie a lot of the time. She is so fun to watch on screen, and her voice is a character all in its own! No wonder she's one of my favorites - all at once sophisticated, and comical. One of the best!