Summary"Marriage Is a Private Affair" a 1944 American comedy-drama movie directed by Robert Z. Leonard released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. With notable stars such as Lana Turner and James Craig, the movie explored the trials and adversities of establishing a marriage throughout the World War II period.
Plot OverviewThe plot centers around an abundant and privileged girl, Theo Scofield West (Lana Turner), who is known for often altering her mind about whatever, consisting of marriage. When she meets and falls for Tom Cochrane West (James Craig), a captain in the army, they quickly select tying the knot. However, against all conventional norms, Theo is determined to keep their marital relationship a secret till the war is over.
Living individually, Tom is overseas, while Theo stays back in their house in New York. Theo's dad, a wealthy and protective male named Mr. Scofield Sr.(John Hodiak), disapproves of Theo's eccentric technique to marriage. He detests Tom and convinces him to offer his wife a conventional life, leading Tom to work with an architect to transform their New York townhouse into a dream home for Theo.
Symptom of ProblemsGuests continuously visit her home as her dad runs his business from there. This makes Theo uneasy and disrupts her individual area, therefore causing further stress between her and her spouse. Given these routine interruptions, their relationship ends up being stretched, displaying heavy arguments, suspicion, and detachment.
ResolutionTheo becomes enamored by Joe Murdock (Keenan Wynn), a youth good friend who has actually returned from the army. Erroneously, she thinks that Tom has actually cheated on her and considering this as a betrayal, she declares a divorce. However, quickly she understands that she still loves Tom. When her father has a health crisis, they both happily discover that they are going to be parents.
Final MomentsIn the end, Tom comes back home to discover a completely changed home, and Theo awaiting him, ready to live a standard married life. It is revealed that regardless of the bumpy road they had to face, the love between them prevails, therefore they resume their marital relationship. This pushes the story that "Marriage is a private affair" as illustrated in the title.
Important AcclaimDespite its humorous approach, the film was significant for representing the couple's struggle to assert their independence and their constant wrestling with social expectations, particularly in terms of norms of marital relationship. Its traditional Hollywood story, combined with a special twist, received a favourable reception from the audience. While "Marriage is a Private Affair" might not be mentioned in the very same breath as a few of the best movies from Hollywood's Golden Age, it remains a noteworthy film of Lana Turner's profession and a precious classic.
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