Claudette Colbert is married to Richard Foran and is on her way on a second honeymoon when Richard's friend Don Ameche shows up minutes before they were supposed to leave for the train. It seems Claudette doesn't like to hear from him, as he is always asking Richard for help in his outlandish schemes. The latest one is that Don's boss thinks he's married, because not only did he tell him so, but he showed him a picture of his supposed wife. Claudette doesn't like the sound of this, and rightly so, because the picture of the lady in question is her. And, he now needs her to assist him to carry out this extended farce. Forced against her wishes, she goes with Don, leaving Richard behind due to a misunderstanding. Most of the rest of the film has Claudette with Don posing as his wife, while Richard is trying to get there. The film may sound pretty fun and laid-back with the stars involved, and while it does, it tries too hard to be zany and the situations feel forced, particularly when she decides to turn the tables on Don and act like she likes the position he's put her in. You could do a lot worse, even some of her own films. I've reviewed some of Claudette's pictures that are a lot worse, but considering the stars this feels more annoying in parts than it should. Chester Clute has a memorable bit as a shoe salesman on holiday in the big city, when he recognizes her, which would jeopardize her situation, and all he wants to do is check out her shoes and feet, because he knows his customers' feet! But all he can do is sneak about on the floor under the restaurants' tables, trying to get to her with no sense of direction, startling ladies and causing a commotion! "All I want to do is see her feet!" You may find this little film amusing, but by the end, you'll reach for something better.

Guest Wife is directed by Sam Wood, written by Bruce Manning and John Klorer, and stars Claudette Colbert (Mary), Don Ameche (Joe) and Dick Foran (Chris). The story tells of a journalist, Joe, who claims to his boss that he is married because the company would like their employees to be as such, and Joe wants to take some vacation leave. But he happens to still be single. Something that's now a major problem since his boss requests the company of Joe and wife for the weekend! His pal Chris lends him his wife Mary so as to bluff his boss into agreement, however, things start to get complicated.Obviously hampered by the strict censorship that existed at the time of its making, Guest Wife none the less is a cheeky little comedy that boasts fun acting and a safe and solid script.. Tho referred to as a screwball comedy in some quarters, I feel that doesn't quite do the film any favours. Yes the gags are breezy enough, but they are hardly of the whirlwind scattergun variety. The interplay between the wonderful Colbert and the charming Ameche is spot on, even if the heavy cloud of censorship tone downs stops the material from being fully realised into a classic comedy must see. There's an itch about just who we are supposed to root for since Chris is a nice guy and Mary clearly loves him, and of course Joe is a bit of a cad when one considers his deception. Yet we are in the company of Mary and Joe for the most part, which although it be a fake marriage, it's a nice coupling. So either way come the end some viewers will be left disappointed.Safe and tidy, with the film as a whole more likely to leave you with a smile more than a beaming grin. 6.5/10

Married couple Chris and Mary are about to set out for a second honeymoon whenever Chris's old friend Joe comes to town. Mary doesn't like Joe because he always brings trouble and this time is no exception. It seems that Joe has been using a fictional wife to improve his job prospects – even sending pictures of his wife and letters from her to his boss to impress upon him what a great guy he is (in the eyes of his fictional wife). However when his employers request the presence of Mrs Parker in New York, Joe has to ask Mary to stand in. Being a good friend Chris says yes and, with him stuck in town, Mary and Joe head off together, apparently oblivious of the sheer amount of problems that they will create.The basic idea behind this plot means that it is the Mary and Joe that have the best chemistry and spend the most time together on screen, this is a risk that it takes because it means the audience could have felt more for them as a couple rather than Chris as Mary's husband. This would have been a disaster (particularly at the time of release) but the film manages to keep it fresh and keep us engaged in the marriage while also enjoying the sparks between Joe and Mary. It cleverly makes a game to excuse the chemistry and stops us worrying about whether real love is blossoming or not. By doing this it keeps it light and enjoyable, consistently amusing and occasionally laugh out loud funny thanks to some sharp lines and jokes.The cast match this effortlessly. Colbert has great fun with an increasingly playful role that shapes the film and the other characters; she is the lead and her comic performance is great. Ameche also changes across the whole film as well, going from playboy to "rabbit in headlights" easily and convincingly. Foran has the hardest role in terms of engaging the audience but he does pretty well with a rather simple lug of a character. Support from people like Dingle, Mitchell, Bacon and others in minor roles all help the generally comic air come over consistently.Overall this is a bit of a balancing act and it is to its credit that it manages to pull it off and keep the audience onside. It is all light, fluffy stuff of course but it is surprising just how enjoyable it is if you are in the mood for it. If you're looking for something inconsequential and fun then you could do a lot worse than trying this film.

Don Ameche steals the show in this black and white romantic comedy. Don Ameche is in wonderful form. He not only delivers his lines with perfection but his use of his eyes makes his character, Joe, come to life. This movie promises many laughs. Claudette Colbert also offers up a good performance as Mary, the wife that Joe borrows from his best friend Chris.