Is His Temporary Wife Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1920)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy cinema, the 1920 release of His Temporary Wife stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Wealthy old Howard Eliot is so pleased with his young nurse Annabelle Rose that on his deathbed he bequeaths her an envelope with the caveat that it not be opened for sixty days. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Wealthy old Howard Eliot is so pleased with his young nurse Annabelle Rose that on his deathbed he bequeaths her an envelope with the caveat that it not be opened for sixty days. The remainder of his fortune is left to his son Arthur with the stipulation that he must marry anyone except his current girl friend, the fortune-hunting Verna Devore. In order to meet the requirements, Arthur places an advertisement for a temporary wife."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Rubye De Remer does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Joseph Levering is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 60 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is His Temporary Wife truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, His Temporary Wife explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1920 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Joseph Levering respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, His Temporary Wife is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Rubye De Remer or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, His Temporary Wife is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.