|
When Their Wives Joined the Regiment
Also known as When Their Wives Joined the Force in the USA
(1914) United States of America
B&W : Two reels
Directed by Allen Curtis
Cast: Louise Fazenda, Emily Harris, Gale Henry, William A. Seiter, William Franey (Billy Franey), Sam Kaufman
The Universal Film Manufacturing Company, Incorporated, production; distributed by The Universal Film Manufacturing Company, Incorporated [Joker Comedies]. / Released 31 October 1914. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Comedy.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Mrs. Groan and Mrs. Grundy are militant “suffragettes.” Their husbands’ lives are filled with woes. Man was never made to wash clothes, cook or attend to babies, as did Groan and Grundy. But Groan and Grundy at last got their innings. As officers of the militia they were ordered to report to their regiment for duty. Before leaving they made the most out of the reversed situation by gleefully telling their wives that “it takes a man, and a man only, to be a soldier.” With determination the wives schemed to show the shrimps that women, as well as men could be soldiers. They enlisted in the militia, disguised as men. They were assigned to the same regiment that their hubbies command. Groan and Grundy discover their deception. They decided to teach their wives a lesson. They kept the matter a secret and enjoyed the discomfiture of their wives as the latter were put through the various back-breaking drills required of recruits. Finally the wives rebelled. They were promptly punished by being made to wash and cook for the regiment. This deal was too much. Completely broken and in full appreciation of a woman’s duties to her home and husband, they deserted. Later, their husbands were made to acknowledge that, as housekeepers, their wives now had no equals.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 24 October 1914, page ?] A mixture of farce and burlesque in which the two wives decide to join the military company. They do so, but it is discovered they are women and they are glad to get back to wifely duties at home. This has amusing moments, but is not highly successful.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 15 November 2022.
References: Braff-Universal n. 9005 : Website-IMDb.
|
