How He Lied to Her Husband
How He Lied to Her Husband

Movie spotlight

How He Lied to Her Husband

1956
Movie
27 min
Russian

Young poet Henry Epjohn is passionately in love with Aurora, the wife of aristocrat Teddy Bompas. Aurora suspects that her husband has gotten hold of poems composed by Henry and dedicated to her, so she asks Henry to lie to Teddy about it. However, Henry's explanation to her jealous husband has the opposite effect.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Robert VerrillGenres: Drama, Short, Romance

Plot Summary

A wealthy older woman, Teddy, is having an affair with a young man, Henry. When her husband, the important politician George, unexpectedly returns, Teddy enlists Henry to pose as her lover's lover, while she pretends to be his landlady. The play explores themes of deception, social maneuvering, and the complexities of relationships under pressure.

Critical Reception

This short film, based on a W. Somerset Maugham play, received modest attention for its theatrical adaptation and performances. It is generally viewed as a well-crafted piece of television drama from its era, though not widely discussed in mainstream critical circles due to its brevity and initial broadcast format.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its witty dialogue and Maugham's sharp observations on human nature.

  • The performances are generally considered solid, particularly within the constraints of the short format.

  • Noted as a competent and engaging adaptation of a classic play.

Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to its age and format, but it is appreciated by those who seek out Maugham adaptations and classic television dramas.

Fun Fact

The original play 'The Bread-Winner' by W. Somerset Maugham was first performed in 1930 and was later adapted into this television film under the title 'How He Lied to Her Husband'.

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