Review of My Favorite Wife (1940) by Adam R — 30 Jan 2016

Although this was a very popular movie when it was first released, this must have been due to the likeability of its stars. There's no denying the fun comedic chemistry between Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.

This isnâ??t though one of the better designed screwball comedies of the era. The script lacks punch. Stephen Burkett (Randolph Scott) is introduced partway through the film to create an added layer of complexity to the story, a complexity which is entirely unnecessary if the storyline with Bianca (Gail Patrick) had been better developed in the first place.

After having watched Gail Patrick in â??My Man Godfreyâ??, I was so disappointed to find her talents wasted in this film. Itâ??s a shame that a meatier character had not been designed for her in Bianca.

Given the plot, there are a few requisite serious scenes, but these are fluffily developed and donâ??t fit in well with the overall lightweight feel of the movie.