One of My Wives Is Missing

The high (7.7/10) rating and almost unanimously positive user-comments around here caught my attention. Finding the film was quite difficult, but eventually I watched "One of my Wives is Missing" via a copy that is available on YouTube. The picture and sound quality were very poor, but I couldn't care less because it was one of the most captivating, intelligent and addictive TV-mystery/thrillers I ever beheld! It's a must-see in case you're a fan of convoluted whodunit stories, like Agatha Christie's novels, for instance. You might occasionally think you figured out the plot, or feel confident about knowing what the characters are up to next, but the script somehow always outsmarts you anyway. Those are the best thrillers that exist, but unfortunately extremely rare. "One of my Wives is Missing", based on a stage play, is such a unique gem, and moreover blessed with great acting performances and witty humor. Barely three days into their honeymoon at a remote mansion in a sleepy village, corporate business executive Daniel Corban (James Fransiscus) reports his wife Elizabeth missing. Local head of police Levine (Jack Klugman) seemingly doesn't take the case all too serious, because the wife ran off with her car after a quarrel. And see, Elizabeth does return to her husband, ... except that Corban swears that the woman who returned isn't his wife. This two-line synopsis is only the tip of the iceberg, I assure you, but it would be a shame to reveal too much. Klugman's lines and clever remarks are often downright genius, while the confrontations between the perplexed Corban and the stoic Elizabeth are tense and chilling. The film doesn't receive a perfect 10-rating because the denouement requires a little too much suspension of disbelief, but "One of my Wives is Missing" nevertheless is an astounding 70s TV-treasure.

This is a thriller made with all of the best ingredients. Just enough information is given in the beginning to pull the viewer into the plot. Critical information about the characters is withheld, however, to give viewers a chance to bond with the villain, not knowing who he is. The numerous changes in direction of the plot provide roller coaster swings and turns for the pleasantly confused viewer. As the final scenes tumble into the open, the viewer becomes torn in his loyalties to the main character and the supporting actor. At last, the truth of the matter comes into full view as the final scenes breeze by. The viewer is left holding his breath, waiting for permission to exhale! Excellent!

At first glance, this looks like another here today, gone tomorrow made for TV thriller, but this is one that will stay with you. There are twists and turns that you'd never expect, and the denouement is very clever. There's a terrific atmosphere of mystery and terror throughout, and the cast is perfect. Jack Klugman never solved a mystery this good as Quincy, that's for sure.

It's not a bit surprising that this movie is based on a play, since it's rather theatrical: except for a couple of scenes tacked onto the beginning and end, it's a one-set mystery, and a rather gimmicky one at that. What makes it involving, however, is the subtext and Elizabeth Ashley's amazingly sexy performance. The film is really about art of deception and the seduction of play-acting. In one especially weird scene, the ever-bland Franciscus and a white-hot Ashley (those eyes!) almost get busy by poolside. You know at least one character is about to succumb to a lie. Later, the Klug-man has his most believable (and least mannered) moment when he embraces a deception and hollers at Franciscus, "where you come from, are all cops HONEST?" I've never considered Elizabeth Ashley a babe -- then again, most of what I've seen her do are lame made-fors and cheesy thrillers. But she won a Tony nomination for playing Maggie in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" so maybe she saved all her sensuality for these two roles.

I saw this movie several years ago and I never forgot it. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. The actors are wonderful. As soon as you think you have it figured out, something will happen to prove you wrong. When it ends you'll want to watch it all over again. I have never seen a movie like it since. It is so smart and creative, I wish more movies were as imaginative. It's a favorite of mine. I'd love to buy the video or DVD, but it's nowhere to be found. I wish it would play on T.V. again, so I could tape it. If you get the chance to see it, don't miss it. Tape it if you can, they hardly ever show it. If you love unpredictable endings this is the movie for you! Engoy! I did.