The Compulsory Wife
1937 British film by Arthur B. Woods
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The Compulsory Wife is a 1937 British quota quickie comedy film, directed by Arthur B. Woods and starring Henry Kendall and Joyce Kirby.[2] It was written by John Dighton and Reginald Purdell.
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Reginald Purdell
Joyce Kirby
| The Compulsory Wife | |
|---|---|
Trade advertisement for the film[1] | |
| Directed by | Arthur B. Woods |
| Written by | John Dighton Reginald Purdell |
| Produced by | Irving Asher |
| Starring | Henry Kendall Joyce Kirby |
| Cinematography | Basil Emmott |
| Distributed by | Warner Brothers-First National Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 57 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Preservation status
The British Film Institute has classed The Compulsory Wife as a lost film.[3] Its National Archive holds a collection of ephemera but no film or video materials.[2]
Plot
Farcical complications arise when a pair of strangers have to spend a night alone together in a country cottage when their hosts are detained in town. Overnight all their luggage is stolen by a burglar, leaving them with nothing but their nightclothes. Then the next morning their hosts and the other guests start arriving.
Cast
- Henry Kendall as Rupert Sinclair
- Joyce Kirby as Bobbie Carr
- George Merritt as Thackeray
- Margaret Yarde as Mrs. Thackeray
- Robert Hale as Craven
- Agnes Lauchlan as Mrs. Craven
Reception
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Introducing time-honoured trappings of near-farce, action has moments of amusing fun, punning dialogue, and usual misunderstandings, while Joyce Kirby gives piquant portrayal in lead. Acceptable light quota support."[4]
Kine Weekly wrote: "It wouid be unfair to dwell too critically on this production, which has obviously been made for quota purposes and has no pretensions to compete as entertainment with pictures made with a definite box-office appeal. Even as a minor contribution from a British studio it is palpably weak in story value, while the semi-facetious dialogue is irritating. Its attraction can only be assessed as extremely limited."[5]
Picturegoer wrote: "Henry Kendall struggles valiantly with a role which puts him in impossible situations, and he does not get a lot of help from the rest of the cast. ... Direction and production are very weak.[6]
Picture Show wrote: "It is artificial and fairly amusing."[7]