Watch The Matrimonial Bed

The Matrimonial Bed is a romantic comedy from 1930, directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Frank Fay, James Gleason, and Lilyan Tashman. The film was released during the transition from silent to sound movies and is notable for its use of both silent and talking sequences. The plot follows a married couple named Tony and Hallie, played by Fay and Tashman, respectively. Tony is a successful businessman who neglects his wife in favor of his work, while Hallie is a bored socialite who seeks attention elsewhere. When Hallie receives a telegram from an old flame, she travels to Paris to meet him, leaving Tony alone at home.

In Paris, Hallie reconnects with her former lover and spends a passionate weekend with him. However, when she returns home, she discovers that Tony has also been unfaithful and has taken up with a gold-digging showgirl named Kitty, played by Lillian Bond. The couple decides to divorce and each hires a lawyer, played by Gleason and Inez Courtney, to handle the proceedings.

The rest of the film revolves around the couple's attempts to one-up each other and win the settlement in the divorce case. Tony goes so far as to steal Hallie's underwear to prove that she was unfaithful, while Hallie enlists the help of a private detective to catch Tony in the act. As the divorce case heats up, the couple realizes that they still love each other and decides to call off the divorce and reconcile.

The film's humor comes from its over-the-top portrayal of infidelity and divorce, as well as its use of physical comedy and witty one-liners. Frank Fay, a popular vaudeville comedian at the time, dominates the film with his snappy dialogue and energetic performance. Tashman, known for her roles as glamorous, man-hungry women, provides a strong foil to Fay's character, while Gleason steals scenes as the comically incompetent lawyer.

In addition to its comedic elements, The Matrimonial Bed is notable for its visual style. The film is shot in a mix of silent and sound sequences, with some scenes using dialogue and others relying on visual storytelling. The camera work is fluid and dynamic, with Curtiz making use of inventive angles and lighting to enhance the story.

While the film may seem dated by modern standards, its themes of love, marriage, and infidelity remain relevant today. The Matrimonial Bed offers a humorous and lighthearted take on these serious topics, with Fay and Tashman delivering performances that still manage to charm audiences almost a century later.

In conclusion, The Matrimonial Bed is a classic romantic comedy that offers a glimpse into the style and humor of Hollywood's Golden Age. With its mix of physical comedy, witty writing, and charming performances, the film remains a delight to watch for fans of both classic cinema and romantic comedies.

The Matrimonial Bed is a 1930 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.