Misbehaving Husbands

Plot

In this marital comedy, Harry Langdon plays a henpecked husband who, after a heated argument with his wife, decides to spend the night at his friend's apartment. The next morning, his wife discovers a department store mannequin in his friend's closet and mistakenly believes it to be his secret lover. This misunderstanding escalates as the wife and her friends attempt to expose the supposed affair, leading to increasingly farcical situations. The husband, unaware of the mannequin confusion, tries desperately to cover his tracks while maintaining his innocence. The comedy reaches its climax when the truth is finally revealed, resolving the marital discord through a series of comedic misunderstandings and reconciliations.

Historical Background

Released in 1940, 'Misbehaving Husbands' emerged during a transitional period in American cinema. The film industry was still recovering from the Great Depression, and smaller studios like PRC thrived by producing low-budget films for neighborhood theaters. The year 1940 also saw the beginning of America's involvement in World War II, though the U.S. had not yet entered the war. Comedies like this served as escapist entertainment for audiences dealing with economic uncertainty and growing international tensions. The film reflects the domestic comedy genre popular at the time, focusing on marital misunderstandings and family values that resonated with mainstream American audiences.

Making Of

The production was typical of PRC's rapid-fire approach to filmmaking, with William Beaudine directing the entire picture in just six days. Harry Langdon, despite his declining star power, was given top billing due to his name recognition from the silent era. The film's central gag involving the mannequin required precise timing and staging, with the cast having to maintain the illusion of misunderstanding throughout multiple scenes. Betty Blythe, who had been a major star in the 1920s, was making a comeback in smaller supporting roles during this period. The low budget meant minimal retakes and practical effects, with the comedy relying heavily on the actors' timing and the script's situational humor rather than elaborate production values.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Marcel Le Picard was functional rather than artistic, typical of low-budget productions of the era. The camera work was straightforward, focusing on clear storytelling rather than visual innovation. Lighting was basic but effective, serving primarily to ensure visibility rather than create mood or atmosphere. The film's visual style emphasized clarity and efficiency, with medium shots predominating to capture the actors' performances and comedic timing.

Music

The film featured a typical musical score for a low-budget 1940 comedy, consisting primarily of stock music and light, upbeat compositions to underscore the comedic situations. No original songs or distinctive musical themes were featured. The sound design emphasized clear dialogue recording to ensure the verbal comedy and misunderstandings were easily understood by the audience. Background music was used sparingly, mainly to highlight comedic moments and transitions between scenes.

Memorable Scenes

• The discovery scene where the wife finds the mannequin in the closet and mistakes it for her husband's lover
• The husband's frantic attempts to explain the situation while maintaining his innocence
• The final revelation where the truth about the mannequin comes to light in a comedic climax

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews were generally mixed to negative, with critics noting the film's low production values and predictable plot. The New York Times dismissed it as routine programmer fare, while Variety acknowledged Langdon's comedic talents but found the material beneath him. Modern retrospective assessments recognize the film as a typical example of its era's B-movie comedy, with some appreciation for Langdon's performance and the film's place in the career trajectory of its stars. Film historians often cite it as an example of how once-major stars like Langdon and Blythe continued working in smaller productions as their careers wound down.

What Audiences Thought

The film performed modestly at the box office, primarily appealing to audiences who remembered Harry Langdon from his silent film heyday. It was generally received as light, undemanding entertainment suitable for the second half of a double bill. Contemporary audience members likely appreciated the familiar comedic situations and the reliable presence of recognizable character actors. The film's straightforward plot and clear resolution made it accessible to mainstream theater-goers seeking simple entertainment during uncertain times.

You Might Also Like