Are Husbands Necessary? Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Are Husbands Necessary?
| Movie | Are Husbands Necessary? |
| Release Year | 1942 |
| Director | Norman Taurog |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 79 minutes (1h 19m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Are Husbands Necessary? (1942) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Are Husbands Necessary? are led by Ray Milland . The supporting cast, including Betty Field and Patricia Morison , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Are Husbands Necessary? stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Are Husbands Necessary? has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Are Husbands Necessary?
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1942, Are Husbands Necessary? is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Norman Taurog, written by Frank Davis. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ray Milland as George Cugat.
Ending Explained: Are Husbands Necessary?
Are Husbands Necessary? Ending Explained: George and Mary Elizabeth Cugat are about to celebrate their second wedding anniversary and dream of having a child. Directed by Norman Taurog, this 1942 comedy film stars Ray Milland (George Cugat), alongside Betty Field as Mary Elizabeth Cugat, Patricia Morison as Myra Ponsonby, Eugene Pallette as Bunker. Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Are Husbands Necessary??
George and Mary Elizabeth Cugat are about to celebrate their second wedding anniversary and dream of having a child. Although they live comfortably on George's earnings as a bank official, Liz's scatterbrained handling of their finances constantly puts them in jeopardy. Liz becomes jealous when George's former girl friend, Myra Ponsonby, comes for a visit with his party-loving friends Bill Stone, Cory Cartwright and Chuck, an artist, after which George spends the entire evening dancing at a nightclub with Myra.
Norman Taurog's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ray Milland (George Cugat)'s journey. Although they live comfortably on George's earnings as a bank official, Liz's scatterbrained handling of their finances constantly puts them in jeopardy.
How Does Ray Milland (George Cugat)'s Story End?
- Ray Milland: Ray Milland's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Norman Taurog delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 19m runtime.
- Betty Field (Mary Elizabeth Cugat): Betty Field's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Patricia Morison (Myra Ponsonby): Patricia Morison's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Are Husbands Necessary? Mean?
The ending of Are Husbands Necessary? ties together the narrative threads involving Ray Milland. Norman Taurog chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
Are Husbands Necessary? Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Are Husbands Necessary? Based on a True Story?
No, Are Husbands Necessary? is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Ray Milland may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Are Husbands Necessary??
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ray Milland or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 79 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Box Office Collection: Are Husbands Necessary?
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $552.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Are Husbands Necessary? Budget
The estimated production budget for Are Husbands Necessary? is $552.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Are Husbands Necessary? Parents Guide & Age Rating
1942 AdvisoryWondering about Are Husbands Necessary? age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Are Husbands Necessary? (1942) is 79 minutes (1h 19m). Directed by Norman Taurog, the film runs for 79 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Are Husbands Necessary? is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1942 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Are Husbands Necessary? worth watching?
Are Husbands Necessary? is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Are Husbands Necessary? parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Are Husbands Necessary? identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Are Husbands Necessary? (1942)?
The runtime of Are Husbands Necessary? (1942) is 79 minutes (approximately 1h 19m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
