Always Tell Your Wife

An independently produced short film, a remake of an earlier film from 1914, (also written by Hugh Croise) with a run time of 20 minutes, filmed at Islington Studios in January 1923, and released in February 1923.

Some sources say that the original director, Hugh Croise, had fallen ill during production, and Hitchcock filled in during the remaining scenes. Other sources claim Croise was fired during production, and Hitchcock filled in during the remaining scenes. Some sources also list Seymour Hicks as a third co-director.

It appears to have been a comedy, but its plot remains a mystery. Of this two-reel short film, only one reel allegedly survives, and it has not been screened since its original release, despite the fact that several people have rated the movie here on IMDb.

I recently watched the Hitchcock short film Always Tell Your Wife (1923) on YouTube. The storyline follows two couples having affairs with each other's spouses, and things spiral out of control once the police get involved...

This short is co-directed by the iconic Alfred Hitchcock (Psycho) and Seymour Hicks (Scrooge), and stars Hicks alongside Gertrude McCoy (The Blue Bird), Ellaline Terriss (The Iron Duke), and Ian Wilson (The Wicker Man).

Some consider this Hitchcock's first film, as An Elastic Affair-his actual debut-has long been lost and remains unrecovered. Always Tell Your Wife is a slapstick comedy in the vein of Laurel and Hardy, but with sharper direction and better comedic timing.

As a silent film, it relies heavily on exaggerated mannerisms, facial expressions, and antics. The light background music suits the tone perfectly. Once the police enter the picture, the film really picks up. I especially loved the smart use of a mirror and a shotgun-clever visual humor that elevates the project.

In conclusion, Always Tell Your Wife is an impressive early effort from Hitchcock-light, fun, and smarter than it has a right to be. I'd give it an 8/10 and strongly recommend checking it out.