Almost a Husband (1919)

Almost a Husband Poster

A New England schoolteacher arrives in a small Southern town. He becomes the savior of several local people in time of emergency, including a young who is oppressed by the unwelcome romantic intentions of a local ne'er-do-well. The teacher pretends to marry the girl to fool the unwanted suitor, but then finds that the marriage was inadvertently legal....

Introduction
"Almost a Husband" is a quiet, black and white American funny film produced in 1919. Directed by Clarence G. Badger and composed by Tex Charwate, the movie starred popular actors of the period, Will Rogers and Peggy Montgomery. Therefore, it continues to be recognized as a successful production in the genre of early 20th century movie theater.

Plot Summary
The movie unfolds around Sam Lyman, a bachelor from Slocum, Texas, who has actually been courting 2 girls - Madge and Letty. Sam proceeds through the occasions without informing either of them about each other. This subterfuge leads him into comical entanglements which form the essence of the movie.

Main Characters and Roles
Sam Lyman (Will Rogers) is a political leader from Slocum, a coward, and a womanizer who takes pleasure in the attention of two ladies without intending to continue towards any serious commitments. Madge (Peggy Montgomery), on the other hand, is an attractive girl who has a strong character, determination, and innovative concepts. She is more aggressive in her pursuit than Letty (Ann Little).

Humorous Events
Sam's courting misadventures reach a peak when both ladies understand his two-timing methods and decide to teach him a lesson. A series of humorous and uncomfortable circumstances occur, starting with his dual engagements. As Sam manages between both engagements, the unwitting townsfolk become progressively included, turning the story into a total farce. Matters get worse for Sam as he is chosen to combat the corrupt Pike Peters for the governorship.

Funny of Errors
The twist of the film emerges when Sam, while attempting his finest to neither win the upcoming elections nor lose his 2 fiancée's, manages to do both. He effectively techniques the townsfolk into voting for Pike however due to the fact that of a local drunkard flipping the numbers, Sam wins with a frustrating bulk. On the other hand, both Madge and Letty find his hoax and choose to penalize him, leading a cast of characters on a merry chase.

Resolution and Ending
In the end, Sam's creative computing backfires, and in a comic twist of fate, he is revealed as a two-timer and a trickster. Letty leaves him for the sincere Pike Peters. However, Madge, seeing some remorse and possibility of modification in Sam, forgives him. They get wed, and Sam winds up assuring a much better, truthful future as both spouse and guv of Slocum, Texas.

Conclusion
In general, "Almost a Husband" is a light-hearted funny filled with interesting twists. The film chronicles the exploits of a commitment-phobic bachelor and portrays a vibrant and amusing photo of early 20th-century American society. Though it's a quiet film, it creatively uses physical humor and comic circumstance setups to captivate the audience, making it a traditional option for those interested in the origin of comedy cinema.

Top Cast

  • Will Rogers (small)
    Will Rogers
    Sam Lyman
  • Peggy Wood (small)
    Peggy Wood
    Eva McElwyn
  • Cullen Landis (small)
    Cullen Landis
    Jerry Wilson
  • Clara Horton
    Jane Sheldon
  • Herbert Standing (small)
    Herbert Standing
    Banker McElwyn
  • Ed Brady (small)
    Ed Brady
    Zeb Sawyer
  • Sidney De Gray (small)
    Sidney De Gray
    John Carruthers
  • Gus Saville
    Jasper Stagg
  • Guinn
    Guinn "Big Boy" Williams
  • Mary Jane Irving (small)
    Mary Jane Irving
    Little Girl (uncredited)