Samuel Sweetwell (Jameson Thomas) is a farmer with large, successful holdings. After the death of his wife and the marriage of his daughter, he is left alone with the household staff. He reveals a plan to his housekeeper, ‘Minta (Lillian Hall-Davis): Samuel’s wife’s final words were asking him to find love again. “But she didn’t name no names,” he says. Dutifully, ‘Minta helps Samuel concoct a list of potential mates. They settle on four local women with notable positions.
Samuel calls on these women. When the first lady denies his advances, he takes his frustration out on his household staff, particularly Churdles Ash (Gordon Harker), the lazy handyman. Churdles is often overheard by Mr. Sweetwell as he complains about the man’s attitude or mocks his lack of luck with the ladies. The handyman’s opinions and ‘Minta’s support drive the farmer to try again and again.
This simple romantic comedy is surprisingly well-preserved. Several free streaming sites can provide viewers with the remastered film if there is no space on your physical classic film shelves. Outstanding distribution alongside a simple plot, excellent comedy, and plenty of title cards makes The Farmer’s Wife Hitchcock’s most accessible early film. We can see the fundamentals of his trademark styling, especially since the director manned the camera himself when the lead cinematographer took ill.
Though it does have its issues, The Farmer’s Wife has a remarkably nuanced view of women for the time period. Each of the women on Samuel Sweetwell’s list are successful and independent in their own right. The comedic elements still land even after almost a century, as Samuel’s social ineptitude leads him to drive away the women he wishes to marry. Anyone looking to expand their silent film or Hitchcock collections should consider The Farmer’s Wife above all others. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The Farmer’s Wife belongs on romantic comedy and classic film shelves.
What type of film series could use this title?
The Farmer’s Wife could be used in a series about Alfred Hitchcock or silent film.