Film Overview"Dream Wife" is a 1953 American romantic funny directed by Sidney Sheldon. The movie features prominent actors of that era: Cary Grant as Clemenson 'Clem' Eustace Tishman, Deborah Kerr as Effie, and Betta St. John as Tarji. The plot focuses on the effort of a businessman to train a woman to become his ideal spouse, which leads to a series of funny and non-traditional scenarios.
Plot DetailsThe story begins with Clem Eustace Tishman, a proficient entrepreneur in oil settlements, engaged to his assistant Effie. Nevertheless, he grows frustrated with Effie's work-focused nature and begins fantasising about a perfect wife-- one who holds standard views and prioritises her partner. This fiction gives birth to the idea of the "dream wife" in the motion picture.
Clem starts keeping in mind Tarji, a stunning princess he 'd met during his trip to the Middle East. Tarji exemplifies his ideal woman as she was taught to serve her other half religiously from her culture. So, Clem chooses to separate his engagement with Effie and asks Tarji to wed him, thinking her to be the personification of the 'dream wife.' Tarji willingly accepts because she is in love with him, blissfully oblivious about Clem's underlying intentions.
IssuesAs soon as Tarji arrives in America for their wedding event, a culture clash puts Clem into numerous humorous and uncomfortable scenario. Tarji's inability to adapt to a totally brand-new culture and tradition forms the core of the film's humor. Clem has problem with his decision as he gradually recognizes that Tarji is too submissive, contrasting starkly to his ambitious and independent ex-fiancee, Effie.
ConclusionThe film's climax starts when Clem's business risks falling into a crisis due to the fact that of a contract with an oil-shiek, Tarji's dad. Without having the ability to speak the latter's language and Effie part of the board directors, Clem is left with no option however to ask Effie for help, regardless of their break up.
While working together to solve the oil crisis, Clem recognizes his sensations for Effie haven't faded, and he begins to value her independent nature and aspiration. By the end of the motion picture, Clem understands that his idea of a 'dream wife' is flawed. He ends up marrying Effie, showing that he now values partnership, equality, and shared regard in marital relationship. On the other hand, Tarji finds joy with a guy who appreciates her as she is.
Significance"Dream Wife" reflects society's developing sentiments towards conventional gender functions in the 1950s, challenging the stereotype of the submissive better half. It humorously displays the defects in objectifying women to fit into a male's optimistic marital vision. Throughout the film, Cary Grant elegantly depicts the confusion of a male captured between cultural understandings and modern independent females.
In general, "Dream Wife" provides a humorous investigation of gender roles within a marital relationship, carrying a nuanced message about respect and good understanding. Levy's review of the motion picture concludes, "' Dream Wife' sticks in the minds of audiences as a classic Hollywood movie that humorously explores and criticizes standard gender norms in marriage."
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