Wife vs. Secretary
Wife vs. Secretary

Movie spotlight

Wife vs. Secretary

1936
Movie
88 min
English

Linda, the wife of a publishing executive, suspects that her husband Van’s relationship with his attractive secretary Whitey is more than professional.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Clarence BrownGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A successful magazine publisher, Van Stanhope, is married to the socially prominent Linda Stanhope, but their relationship is strained by his demanding career and his attractive secretary, Helen Wilson. Linda becomes increasingly jealous as she perceives a romantic entanglement between Van and Helen, leading to misunderstandings and public scrutiny. The film explores themes of marital trust, professional boundaries, and the pressures faced by women in different societal roles during the 1930s.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Wife vs. Secretary' was a significant commercial success, praised for its sophisticated humor and strong performances, particularly from its leading trio. Critics lauded the film's ability to balance lighthearted romantic comedy with dramatic tension, making it a popular entertainment piece of its era. It is often remembered as a showcase for the star power and chemistry of Gable, Loy, and Harlow.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its witty dialogue and the sparkling chemistry between the lead actors.

  • A charming and sophisticated romantic comedy that effectively balances humor and drama.

  • The performances, especially Jean Harlow's, were highlighted as a major strength.

Google audience: Audience reception information from Google is not readily available for this classic film.

Fun Fact

This film marked the final on-screen pairing of Jean Harlow and Clark Gable, who had previously starred together in several successful films, solidifying their status as a popular screen couple.

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