Wife, Husband and Friend (1939) in Color — Starring Loretta Young & Warner Baxter

Wife, Husband and Friend (1939) – Buy This Classic Comedy in Color

Experience the delightful Wife, Husband and Friend (1939) in vibrant colorized HD. Directed by Gregory Ratoff and starring Loretta Young, Warner Baxter, and Binnie Barnes, this sparkling screwball comedy explores the hilarious consequences when a wife and husband each become convinced they are destined for operatic stardom — with catastrophically entertaining results. When a sophisticated socialite decides she has a singing career ahead of her, her husband is manipulated by a scheming voice teacher into believing his own talent is superior, setting off a war of rival ambitions that threatens to destroy their marriage. Now available as a premium digital download for just €15.00 — DRM-free and yours to keep forever.

Plot Summary

Doris Blair Borland (Loretta Young) is a wealthy, charming New York socialite who becomes convinced she possesses a magnificent singing voice after receiving flattering encouragement at dinner parties and amateur musical evenings. Her husband Leonard (Warner Baxter), a successful businessman, is supportive but privately sceptical. When Doris begins taking voice lessons seriously and announces her intention to perform publicly, Leonard grows increasingly alarmed.

Enter Cecil Doolittle (Binnie Barnes), a glamorous and manipulative European voice teacher who sees an opportunity in the Borland household — not with Doris, whose voice she considers mediocre, but with Leonard, whom she discovers actually has a rather fine baritone. Cecil begins cultivating Leonard’s latent talent, flattering him into believing he could have a serious musical career. Her motives are not entirely professional — she is also romantically attracted to the handsome businessman.

The situation escalates into full-blown domestic warfare when both husband and wife schedule competing operatic debuts. Doris, blissfully unaware of her vocal limitations, prepares for a grand public performance, bolstered by the sycophantic encouragement of her social circle. Leonard, secretly coached by Cecil and increasingly seduced by both the music and his teacher, prepares his own grand entrance into the world of opera.

The dual debuts become a spectacular comic catastrophe. Doris’s well-meaning friends cannot hide their reactions to her shaky coloratura for very long, while Leonard’s performance reveals that genuine talent without proper experience can be equally disastrous. As the musical rivalry spirals toward divorce, both Borlands must confront the gap between their artistic fantasies and reality — and decide whether their marriage is worth more than their competing egos.

Cast & Crew

Director: Gregory Ratoff
Stars: Loretta Young, Warner Baxter, Binnie Barnes, Cesar Romero, George Barbier, J. Edward Bromberg

Loretta Young brings her trademark elegance and sharp comic timing to this sophisticated farce, making Doris both sympathetically deluded and genuinely funny. Warner Baxter is excellent as the husband whose hidden talent becomes a source of marital conflict rather than harmony. Binnie Barnes is wonderfully devious as the voice teacher who stirs up trouble for her own advantage.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The elegant New York society settings, the glamorous opera house interiors, and the sophisticated costumes are beautifully enhanced through expert colorization. The film’s comedy of manners benefits tremendously from the colour treatment, bringing out the visual contrast between the refined social world and the chaotic reality of the characters’ musical ambitions. Now also available in colour. Own this sparkling comedy gem for just €15.00 — Loretta Young and Warner Baxter at their most endearingly competitive.

Historical Significance

Wife, Husband and Friend exemplifies the sophisticated screwball comedy that flourished in late 1930s Hollywood, combining sharp social satire with genuine warmth and romantic comedy. Based on a story by James M. Cain (better known for his hard-boiled crime fiction), the film demonstrates the remarkable range of one of America’s most versatile writers. The film was successful enough to inspire a remake in 1949 as Everybody Does It with Paul Douglas and Celeste Holm. Gregory Ratoff’s direction balances the farcical elements with genuine emotional stakes, creating a comedy that is entertaining and perceptive about human vanity. Through colorization, this charming comedy has been preserved for modern audiences in a fresh and inviting visual presentation.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes – professionally colorized from the original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 80 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes – no restrictions on playback
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this really written by James M. Cain?
A: Yes. Cain, best known for dark crime novels like The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity, wrote the story on which this comedy is based. It showcases a completely different side of his talent — his sharp eye for human vanity and self-deception translated perfectly into sophisticated comedy.

Q: How does it compare to the 1949 remake?
A: Both versions have their admirers. This original is generally considered more elegant and polished, with Loretta Young bringing a particular sophistication to the role. The 1949 Everybody Does It is broader and more boisterous. Each version offers a distinct comic flavour worth experiencing.

Q: Is there actual singing in the film?
A: Yes. The film features several musical performance sequences that are integral to the comedy. Part of the humour derives from the contrast between the characters’ grand artistic ambitions and the reality of their performances, making the singing scenes some of the film’s funniest moments.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file in 720p HD resolution, compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM on this download?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free, meaning you can watch it on any device without restrictions or expiration dates.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchasing?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment. You can start watching within minutes of completing your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Because of You (1952)
• My Man Godfrey (1936)
• The Awful Truth (1937)
• Paula (1952)
• Theodora Goes Wild (1936)