Is His Neglected Wife Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1917)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of His Neglected Wife (1917), audiences are invited back into the world of various. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "His Neglected Wife is one of 24 Black Diamond Comedies that were re-edited, re-titled, and released as “Unique Comedies” in 1919. Its original title remains unknown—the year of its initial release was probably 1917. “Susie,” the recurring heroine of the series (played by Leatrice Joy) is the wife in question; fed up being married to an impecunious writer, she leaves him a note (“As a writer you are a flivver [jalopy]. I'm off to get a six cylinder start”) and flees to the city. Her husband secretly follows her, enduring a great deal of symbolic punishment along the way."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Leatrice Joy does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is His Neglected Wife worth your time? If you appreciate various films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, His Neglected Wife is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 14 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.