Is Matinee Wives Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1970)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Matinee Wives, a standout production of 1970, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Yes, totally bored with their husbands in bed, horny Hollywood-Hills housewives Linda Devlin and Pat Chandler have become Matinee Wives. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama 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: "Yes, totally bored with their husbands in bed, horny Hollywood-Hills housewives Linda Devlin and Pat Chandler have become Matinee Wives. For some time now, they’ve been turning "matinee tricks" with the horny hubbies of other frigid suburban housewives by housewife-turned-madam Kay Gavin, a supersexed entrepreneurial vixen who likes to "curl up with a warm vibrator" each morning to jump-start her day. So, of course, when Paul and Tom make plans for some "outside stud," who do you suppose they call? That’s right: the vibrant Madam Kay herself! And who do you suppose she sets them up with? Right again: each other’s wives! But the kicker is: no one knows this, neither the husbands nor the wives, as they’re all chipping under false names and no one has met the other’s spouse before! So all four are swapping partners and no one’s the wiser."

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. Despite the inherent talent of Stephen Treadwell, the performance in Matinee Wives feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Kendall Stewart 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 66 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 Matinee Wives 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 Drama, 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 2.3/10 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, Matinee Wives explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1970 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kendall Stewart 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, Matinee Wives 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 Stephen Treadwell or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Matinee Wives is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.