SYNOPSIS: A well-to-do British farmer decides to take a wifeCOMMENT: This, of course, is a silent movie. one of Hitchcock's earliest endeavors. Because of the Hitchcock name and popularity (and the fact that the copyright has expired), "The Farmer's Wife" is currently available on at least six DVD labels. At the time I wrote my original review, St Clair had the best copy. but it may not be still available from that source. "The Farmer's Wife" features nice sharp photography by Jack Cox, plus several really ingratiating performances (particularly by the really charming Lillian Hall-Davis).The St. Clair DVD is augmented by an adroit music score which makes light work of of the movie's comparatively long running time of 129 minutes. And to my surprise, Hitch proves himself - even at this early stage of his career - to be a master of bucolic, domestic comedy, despite actor Gordon Harker's continuous efforts to impose his own brand of stage-struck slapstick. Fortunately, Hitch keeps Harker firmly in his place. All told, "The Farmer's Wife" is a really enjoyable experience!

Written and directed by Alfred Hitchcock (the director's screenplay was based on a play from Eden Philpotts), this silent comedy (!) begins with the death of the farmer's wife, though the titled character actually refers to said farmer's 'replacement' spouse; the film's story is about his pursuit of several eligible ladies in the community. Apparently there are two versions of this movie; I watched and reviewed the 2+ hour DVD.Samuel Sweetland (Jameson Thomas) is an older man with a housekeeper he calls Minta (Lillian Hall-Davis) and a handyman named Ash (Gordon Harker). After Sweetland's daughter (Antonia Borough to Haward Watts, his only film) is married, there is speculation within the small farming community about whether Samuel will seek another wife. Gibb McLaughlin plays Sweetland's old friend Henry Coaker. Samuel decides that it's time; with Minta's help, he compiles a list of the available women in the area. He then puts on his best coat and goes to call on each one in succession.The widow Louisa Windeatt (Louie Pounds in her only film) turns out to be too independent; Samuel is shocked that she's not interested in being his wife. Thirza Tapper (Maud Gill), who appears to happily be an old maid, is so surprised by Samuel's proposal that she shakes nervously, can't reply, and even faints. Giggling, chubby Mary Hearn (Olga Slade) seems interested at first, but is so put off by Samuel's 'demands' by which she'd have to live that she loses control of herself into hysteria (screaming, rocking forward and back while waving her hands uncontrollably). After each rejection, Samuel crosses the name off his list until only Mercy Bassett (Ruth Maitland), the local barmaid, remains on it. Ash is upset that his master is making a fool of himself while Minta is sympathetic and actually imagines herself as Samuel's next wife.After Sweetland crosses Mercy off the list, he returns home a failure. Minta listens and eventually sits in the fireplace chair opposite Samuel who finally sees the light of day and proposes to his housekeeper. She is cautious, then thrilled to accept his proposal.Meanwhile, Mary has had second thoughts and she returns, with Thirza, to Sweetland's home where both tell him about their change of heart. Samuel says that he's made his decision and each think they are to be the chosen one, but both are surprised when he introduces them to a newly dressed and coiffed Minta descending the staircase.Of course, this causes Mary to go into hysterics again; Thirza only shakes a little bit (though she does appear to be speechless again). Coaker joins the festivities and Ash tells his former co-worker that he'll help her manage the master if she'll help him (e.g. get better pay).

I wish I would have seen the shortened version because 2 hours 9 mins was to long for this movie,, I like silent movies and I have a Russian Silent that's 4 hours long,, Miss Mend,, and it's a much better movie.. I don't know why I didn't like it but I can sure speculate,, there's no action what so ever,, no suspense,, basically in a nutshell the story is about a man who sees his young daughter get married,, and him being a widow he figures it's about time to get his life together and find someone,, he goes through a couple of different woman, and just cant' seem to find the right one.. to me it seems like there was a lot that should have been cut from the movie, because it was entirely too long,, maybe I will have to watch it again,, and see if I can find something about the movie that I like,, but until then...

You could see Hitchcock's visual craft developing in this silly tale of a widowed farmer who is determined to find a wife, while not seeing what is right under his nose. The facial expressions and longings of the characters are quite well done, considering the age of this piece. It is mostly farcical and simple, but everyone must learn his craft, and this is no exception. I was quite taken with the three women he chose pursue. They represent some levels of ugliness and silliness that make the movie work. It shows how slim the pickings are in the village. It also presents a time when things were quite different. There is a great scene at the end which I won't spoil that is priceless. If you are looking for true Hitchcock, don't bother, but if you want to see the foundation of genius, take parts of this into your embrace.