I MARRIED A WOMAN

U.S, 1956, 85 minutes, Black and white.
George Gobel, Diana Dors, Nita Talbot, Adolphe Menjou, Jessie Royce Landis, Cameos by John Wayne and Angie Dickenson.
Directed by Hal Kanter.

I Married a Woman is a pleasantly mild comedy, an attempt to promote George Gobel as a star. He had appeared in The Birds and the Bees but had not made much impact in cinemas. It was also an attempt for an American career for Diana Dors. However, the supporting cast are much more enjoyable: Adolphe Menjou as the boss, Jessie Royce Landis once again as a mother and Nita Talbot as the secretary. There is a bonus (in colour) with scenes from a fictitious John Wayne film (with a young Angie Dickinson) and John Wayne appearing as the fulfilment of Diana Dors' dreams.

1. An entertaining comedy of the '50s? A vehicle for George Gobel? Diana Dors?

2. Black and white photography, the world of advertising? home life? The insertion of the John Wayne film sequences in colour?

3. The title and the focus on the battle of the sexes? Suspicions and jealousy? Reconciliation?

4. Marshal Briggs and his work as an advertising executive, the pressures on him for promotion lines, the beer account, the satire on advertising, gimmicks, cliches, slogans? his hard work? Neglecting Janice? Her suspicions? Quarrels and his leaving home? His attempts to win her back Getting her to participate in the advertising? her revenge on him? Marshal and his boss? His mother? Miss Anderson? His true love for his wife and the happy reconciliation?

5. Diana Dors and her glamour, the background of the beauty competition, the credibility of her love for Marshal? Her being neglected? Going to the films - the infatuation with the screen John Wayne? Quarrels, suspicions? Situation comedy with their clashes? The flirting with Bob? Her anger about the advertising campaigns? The happy reconciliation?

6. The humour of the supporting roles - as expected from the cast: Adolphe Menjou and his scheming as the advertising boss, the pressures on Marshal? Jessie Royce Landis as the dithering bossy mother? Nita Talbot as the secretary?

7. The humour of the John Wayne's guest appearance?

8. Popular themes of American comedy? The rat-race and business? The pressures on family? Suspicions and quarrels? Happy reconciliation?