Expensive Husbands

Expensive Husbands is a charming and rib-tickling comedy drenched in romance and smothered with a unique plot twist. Directed by Bobby Connolly and Busby Berkeley, this 1937 release stars a young and dashing Patric Knowles, the enigmatic Beverly Roberts, and the versatile Allyn Joslyn. The narrative of the film is wonderfully quirky, replete with delightful subplots, each contributing to the colorful canvas of the story. Weaving a tale of unexpected circumstances, the film has successfully enticed audiences then and continues to captivate hearts and minds now. What sets this movie apart is its unabashed portrayal of a woman's heart in a man's world and how she maneuvers her way around it.

In the story, Patric Knowles portrays Bill Hepburn, a young man who plants his feet firmly amidst the high society, navigating through life guided by his wit, charm, and impressive likability. Blessed with good looks but cursed with a lack of fortune, his character becomes a godsend for rich, lonely women who are more than happy to pay for the young gentleman's company and lifestyle in exchange for his attention and sweet companionship.

Doing justice to the movie’s title, our male protagonist dares to challenge the societal norms and expectations of the time, reveling in his role as the husband of wealthy women. However, his life takes a complex and hilarious turn when he meets Jane Drake, the heroine of our story, portrayed by the gorgeous Beverly Roberts.

Jane Drake, a wealthy novelist, intrigued by her encounter with Bill, takes a journey that offers rich comedic content for the viewers. With an extravagant lifestyle powered by the financial success of her writings, she crafts a plan to study Bill, presenting herself as a bankrupt woman to reveal this "husband for hire" for who he really is. Beverly Roberts, with her striking screen presence, lends a superior sophistication to Jane Drake, making her character unique and compelling. She evokes a sense of curiosity among audiences and keeps them glued to their seats as she unveils her genius mind, filled with wit, charm, and a certain quirky intelligence.

In an interesting subplot, we see the talented Allyn Joslyn play Peter Sturgis, a flamboyant, eccentric psychoanalyst engaged in decoding human emotions and behavior. His character adds a delightful layer to the narrative with a unique mix of humor and professional competence. While he dissects human behavior in his therapy sessions, he becomes an unwitting participant in many comedic situations, serving as an interesting counterbalance to the intense romantic equation of the two leads.

The portrayals of our three primary characters provide a colorful array of perspectives that enrich the narrative. The charm of Bill Hepburn is beautifully complemented by the intelligent, quirky, and enchanting Jane Drake, whereas Peter Sturgis, with his wit and unique personality, binds the movie with a consistent element of surprise and amusement.

What makes Expensive Husbands a captivating viewing experience is the complexity of its characters, the multifaceted storyline, and the lively performances by the cast. Each character is intricately woven into the narrative, ensuring that the audience is engrossed and invested in the film from beginning to end.

The narrative is well-paced and carefully timed, maintaining a balance between revealing crucial plot points and keeping the audience guessing. The dialogues are whip-smart and laced with humor, ensuring constant chuckles throughout the run-time of the film. Moreover, the director's interwoven visual elegance with keen storytelling enhances the movie's overall appeal.

Adding to the narrative is the 1930s backdrop, imbibing elements from an era renowned for its sophistication and artistic opulence. The elements of fashion, architecture, and lifestyle beautifully seep into each scene, creating a visually stunning spectacle, transporting the audience back in time.

In conclusion, Expensive Husbands is a tale of love, deception, and male-female dynamics that unfolds in the high society drama. It is a comedy that stands out for its unique premise, superb performances from the lead actors, engaging storytelling, and its keen sense of humor. The film is a delightful rom-com packed with robust dialogue, fascinating characters, and a narrative that keeps the audience involved and entertained, making it a worthwhile watch.