The Wife Takes a Flyer (1942)

The Wife Takes a Flyer Poster

Christopher Reynolds, an American flying with the R.A.F, is shot down over German-occupied Holland and is given shelter by a Dutch family. Posing as the insane husband of the daughter of the house, Anita Wolverman, Reynolds convinces the German officer quartered there, Major Zellfritz, with the necessity for her divorce decree to be granted. After the court-hearing, Anita, goes to manage a home for retired ladies and, persuaded by Reynolds, tries to gain military information from the German Officer. When her former husband escapes from the insane-asylum his exploits are blamed on Reynolds. With the help of the old ladies and Anita, who "remarries" him, Reynolds escapes to England in a stolen German airplane.

Overview
"The Wife Takes a Flyer" is a 1942 American romantic-comedy film directed by Richard Wallace and produced by Everett Riskin, including stars such as Joan Bennett and Franchot Tone. Set throughout World War II, the movie explores the complex characteristics of relationships, marriage, espionage, and wartime adventure. It integrates aspects of thriller, wit, and humor to engage audiences and presents a distinct story filled with surprise twists and turns.

Plot Summary
The film tells the fascinating story of a Dutch girl, Anita Woverman (played by Joan Bennett), who weds a British RAF pilot Christopher Reynolds (played by Franchot Tone), in an effort to leave from inhabited Netherlands during World War II. Anita pursues this strategy to save her family, however things take a surprising turn when she starts to develop authentic sensations for her counterfeit other half.

Preliminary Journey
In the film's start, Reynolds pretends to be a harmless antique dealer. As the story gradually deciphers, his real identity as an intelligence officer is revealed. He finds Anita working as a waitress and proposes to her in order to assist her in her mission. Initially, they both agree to part ways once they reach England, however the journey changes their relationship.

Problems Arise
Upon reaching England, they both seem to be enjoying their newly found love till they face a great challenge. Anita is implicated of being a Nazi spy when she innocently hands over the plans of a new type of bomb to the enemy, believing it's Christopher's antique map. The twist offers a fascinating rely on the narrative, instilling tension and suspense. Christopher, on getting to know of Anita's accusations, attempts to show her innocence, simply as she herself begins to work towards convincing the authorities of the fact.

Resolution
In a series of suspenseful and humorous events, Anita shows her innocence and Christopher manages to expose the genuine spy. In the end, it is revealed that Anita's act of handing down the strategies to the enemy was a premeditated plan used by Christopher and his superiors to feed the enemy wrong info, unwittingly to Anita.

The culmination of the movie brings closure as Christopher's love for Anita supports to the point of proposing to her a second time, this time genuine, acknowledging the bond they established gradually. The movie closes with Anita and Christopher boarding an airplane to go on a honeymoon, gesturing toward a delighted, tranquil life after withstanding numerous hurdles together.

Overall Impact
In general, "The Wife Takes a Flyer" is a well-rounded movie that effectively combines comedy, drama, and love versus the backdrop of war. The stars' outstanding performances, specifically that of Joan Bennett and Franchot Tone, instill life into the complex characters they represent. The movie serves as an expedition of love and rely on remarkable scenarios providing both light-hearted comical aspects and thrilling moments of thriller.

Top Cast

  • Joan Bennett (small)
    Joan Bennett
    Anita Woverman
  • Franchot Tone (small)
    Franchot Tone
    Christopher Reynolds
  • Allyn Joslyn (small)
    Allyn Joslyn
    Major Zellfritz
  • Cecil Cunningham (small)
    Cecil Cunningham
    Countess Oldenburg
  • Roger Clark (small)
    Roger Clark
    Keith
  • Lloyd Corrigan (small)
    Lloyd Corrigan
    Thomas Woverman
  • Lyle Latell (small)
    Lyle Latell
    Muller
  • Georgia Caine (small)
    Georgia Caine
    Mrs. Woverman
  • Barbara Brown (small)
    Barbara Brown
    Maria Woverman
  • Erskine Sanford (small)
    Erskine Sanford
    Jan
  • Chester Clute (small)
    Chester Clute
    Adolphe Bietjelboer