Is When We Are Married Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)
The Helliwells, the Soppitts, and the Parkers, old friends gathered to celebrate their common silver anniversaries. To their dismay they learn that their marriages may not be valid...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then When We Are Married offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1938 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
When We Are Married returns to the screen in 1938, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy genre. 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. "The Helliwells, the Soppitts, and the Parkers, old friends gathered to celebrate their common silver anniversaries. To their dismay they learn that their marriages may not be valid. On hand are an outrageous housekeeper and a photographer. The first play in history to ever be televised complete and unedited direct from the theatre. It is now believed to be lost. The BBC would make another television film version of this play in 1949 with several of the same actors from this film including Raymond Huntley, Ernest Butcher, Patricia Hayes, George Carney and Lloyd Pearson."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In When We Are Married, even the presence of Mae Bacon struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.
🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is When We Are Married worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy 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, When We Are Married misses the mark on several fronts.
With a runtime of 145 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Skip It.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 2.4 hours, the film requires a significant time commitment.