Lonely Wives (1931)
“One face, two men, twice the trouble.”
Streamed free from the Internet Archive · no signup, no cost — this film is in the public domain.
Synopsis
A fast pre-Code bedroom farce of mistaken identity, with Edward Everett Horton in a dual role as the philandering lawyer and the vaudeville mimic he hires to impersonate him. His mother-in-law tries to keep him honest while the doubles cause escalating chaos. Pure 1931 door-slamming comedy.
Cast
About the Director
Russell Mack — Russell Mack stages the farce briskly, handing Edward Everett Horton a rare double-role showcase that lets the great character comedian carry the whole picture.
Why It’s Free: The Public-Domain Story
Public domain by copyright non-renewal. The 1931 RKO/Pathé release was not renewed at the U.S. Copyright Office and entered the public domain in 1959 (Wikipedia's list of US public-domain films).
Behind the Scenes
A Pathé/RKO production adapted from a stage farce, released in early 1931 just as the two companies merged. The copyright was not renewed and lapsed in 1959.
Did You Know?
- Edward Everett Horton plays both lead roles, a rare top-billed double turn for the beloved character actor.
- The film was based on the play "Lonely Wives" by A.E. Thomas.
- It survives in the public domain while many sturdier RKO titles of the era remain under copyright.
Reception & Legacy
Contemporary audiences enjoyed it as a risqué pre-Code romp; today it's valued as a showcase for Horton's comic timing and as a representative early-sound farce.
My Dear Secretary
Three Guys Named Mike
Sing a Song of Six Pants
The Front Page