My Favorite Wife (1940) Review in 2025
A hilarious romantic comedy starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, about a woman who returns after being presumed dead and causes chaos in her husband's life.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for families, but some scenes may be too old-fashioned for younger audiences.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of classic romantic comedies. It's a fun and entertaining film with great performances and a engaging story.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie follows Ellen, a woman who returns after being presumed dead for seven years, and causes chaos in her husband's life. She meets her husband's best friend, and they fall in love, but things get complicated when Ellen's husband tries to win her back.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and entertaining, but it's not particularly original or complex. The plot is predictable, but the execution is well-done.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent. Irene Dunne and Cary Grant deliver standout performances, and the supporting cast is also good.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Irene Dunne and Cary Grant have great chemistry, and their performances are excellent.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, but it's not particularly noteworthy. Garson Kanin does a good job of balancing the tone and pacing.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but it's not particularly impressive. The black-and-white visuals are well-done, but they're not particularly memorable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a great cast, a engaging story, and some hilarious moments. The chemistry between Irene Dunne and Cary Grant is excellent, and their performances are standout.
Cons
The movie is a bit old-fashioned, and some scenes may feel dated. The plot is predictable, but the execution is well-done.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a married man, I'm a married woman."
"I'm not a wife, I'm a wife-to-be."
