One of my Wives is Missing

One of my Wives is Missing is an American made-for-television suspenseful mystery thriller. First telecasted by ABC on March 5, 1976, this whodunit film is directed by Glenn Jordan. The movie features an ensemble cast of notable Hollywood stars including, Jack Klugman, Elizabeth Ashley, and James Franciscus in the lead roles.

With a gripping plot that keeps viewers intrigued till the end, One of my Wives is Missing is set in the fictitious small town of Eden Landing, California. The story begins when a well-known and charming local businessman, Daniel Corbin (James Franciscus), comes home and finds his wife missing, living behind a note stating she has left him —and never wants to return. However, in a strange turn of events, a woman (Elizabeth Ashley) claiming to be Corbin's wife reappears into his life, creating an unusual confusion.

Elizabeth Ashley plays the role of the 'alter ego' wife who insists that she is the same person Corbin was married to for years, resulting in a situation that challenges his sanity and credibility. Is she a part of a devious game or is she his actual spouse, whose return Corbin refuses to accept? This forms the crux of the narrative.

Despite having a supposedly amicable relationship with his wife, Franciscus's character doesn't recognize Ashley as his wife. He maintains his stance insisting that this seemingly familiar woman is not his missing wife, and suspects foul play.

Jack Klugman, popular for his roles in The Odd Couple and Quincy M.E., turns in an outstanding performance as Inspector Murray Levine — the cunning and perceptive detective who investigates the case. In his effort to solve the mystery, he plays the devil's advocate, tapping into the narrative by offering alternate possibilities.

With Klugman's role of a detective, the audience is taken on a labyrinthine journey through the crime, experiencing the intense drama, mystery, and suspense of the investigation that takes unexpected turns. The movie is filled with unexpectedly nerve-wracking instances, making one question the nature of reality and deception, guilt and innocence, memory and identity.

Set amidst a charming small town, the screenplay revolves around these three interesting characters and their complex relationships. Eliciting an eerie atmosphere filled with perpetual suspense, the film maintains an intriguing ambiance that permeates every scene. Jordan's direction combined with its clever dialogues and remarkable performances add up to deliver a tense drama, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat.

The movie also highlights how the three main characters navigate their relationships and their individual realities amidst the twist and turns of the story, keeping viewers guessing till the end about the truth of the perplexing premise.

In summary, One of my Wives is Missing is a captivating made-for-television movie that lures the audience into its enigmatic storyline. With its well-crafted screenplay, the movie becomes a riveting viewing experience for fans of suspense and mystery genres. It successfully manages to offer dramatic tension, a stunning narrative, impressive performances, and an intelligent plot twist — all trademarks of a good mystery thriller.

Despite playing with an unusual storyline, the film delivers its promise by maintaining a fast pace and leaving you guessing from start to finish. The film indulges in creating suspense not through violence, but through an engrossing psychological play. This makes it not merely a detective mystery but a film that engages with your intellect, making One of my Wives is Missing a thoughtful yet thrilling viewing experience.