Daytime Wife

Daytime Wife is a romantic comedy film from the Golden Age of Hollywood, released in 1939. Directed by Gregory Ratoff and produced by 20th Century Fox’s Darryl F. Zanuck, the film features some of the era's most recognized faces, including Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, and Warren William.

Tyrone Power, popular for his swashbuckling roles, presents his comedic side in this film with a charmingly winning performance. Power plays the role of Ken Norton, a successful and devoted insurance executive with a penchant for extra-marital diversions, much to the chagrin of his loving wife, Jane. Linda Darnell, aged just sixteen years during the filming of Daytime Wife, plays the role of Jane with a maturity beyond her years.

Jane discovers her husband's infidelity and, rather than confront him directly, decides to give him a taste of his own medicine. She fires their house staff under the pretense of economy and seizes an opportunity to get a secretarial job with a known womanizer portrayed by Warren William. Here, the laughter begins as Jane attempts to navigate the hurdles and pitfalls of the working world while balancing the complexities of her master plan to get back at her husband.

With its inherently humorous setup, Daytime Wife explores relationship dynamics and societal norms of its time with a lighthearted touch. Ratoff’s directorial finesse shines through in the talented ensemble, as they play off of each other with a melodic timing that is synonymous with comedies of this period. The script delivers an exquisite balance between slapstick comedy, verbal sparring, and character development.

Tyrone Power gives a natural performance as the broad, forgiven husband, demonstrating that he is more than just a pretty face. He accentuates his character’s complexities, showing Ken Norton’s deeply flawed yet inherently lovable personality that keeps the audience rooting for him. Power’s physical comedy skills shine throughout the film, particularly in scenes where he is prone to bouts of comedic misunderstanding.

In contrast, Linda Darnell stands out for her controlled yet layered performance as the wronged wife, Jane. Her poise and her character's quiet determination, often characterized by her dramatic dialogue delivery, create a winning character. The character arcs of both Jane and Ken culminate in a dynamic narrative of love, forgiveness, and redemption.

Warren William, as Jane’s womanizing boss, adds to the hilarity with his sharp wit and impeccable comic timing. His portrayal adds a dash of faux-villainy, which enhances the texture of this romantic comedy.

Overall, Daytime Wife is a cleverly written script brought to life masterfully by the engaging performances of the main actors. The film provides a wholesome experience for viewers who enjoy romantic comedies embedded with traditional Hollywood glamour. The witty dialogue, situational comedy, and the emotional spectrum the actors traverse make for engaging storytelling.

Beyond being a comedy film, the movie touches upon the issues of gender, workplace relationships, and marital adoration in the 1930s backdrop. The production values are splendid, with excellent costume designs reflecting the trends of the late 1930s and adept cinematography capturing the essence of each scene.

The sheer abundance of character development and plot progression incorporated into a short running time is a testment to the skills of the film's writers, Patricia Hopkins and Art Arthur. Their work illustrates the fine line between comedy and drama without leaning too far into either territory.

Furthermore, Daytime Wife is an inventive exploration of what it means to trust and what it takes to restore that trust when it has been broken. Notably, the film does not center merely around the concept of a wife's revenge. Instead, it delves into the challenges and growth both Ken and Jane experience as they navigate through the trials of their marriage.

Daytime Wife is a sparkling gem from Hollywood's yesteryears. The film features a catchy score by Arthur Lange and Charles Maxwell. Its engaging script, memorable performances, and timeless appeal make it a classic movie, giving audiences a glimpse into the high-society lifestyle of the 1930s. It is worth noting that the chemistry between Darnell and Power is palpable and remained a staple feature in several future collaborations. The film, though produced over 80 years ago, holds its charm and still is a delight to revisit in modern times.