Following "Four Daughters" (1938), Warner Brothers had almost all of the same cast return for a film that wasn't really a sequel--but it was so similar to the first film in so many ways that the audiences must have been thoroughly confused. John Garfield's character had died at the end of "Four Daughters" but suddenly he was alive and the sweet father (Claude Rains) was a jerk who'd abandoned his family two decades previous! Finally with "Four Wives" is there a true sequel. It picks up right after the first film--with Garfield's character STILL dead and his widow (Priscilla Lane) beginning to date her old boyfriend again--not knowing that she is pregnant with his child! It also finds one of the sisters (Gale Page) learning she cannot have children--putting a strain on her new marriage. Another sister (Lola Lane) is also married--leaving only one (Rosemary Lane) to try to trap, I mean 'find' a husband for herself--and the prospective groom is Eddie Albert.
The main theme of the film is Priscilla's depression following her hubby's death. Eventually, she snaps out of it (of sorts) and finally marries Felix (Jeffrey Lynn)--but memories of the dead man keep intruding on their happiness. So once again, Priscilla appears to be the main focus of the sisters--probably since at the time she was the most popular of the three real-life sisters.
This film is (finally) a worthy follow-up to the first film--and perhaps a bit better film (it's a lot sweeter and more sentimental). Priscilla's character is STILL a bit annoying and the rest of the folks are back just as they were in the first movie--a rather pleasant bunch who you wish could be your family! While there were no huge happenings, the film is sweet and worth seeing. Very nice but nothing earth-shattering.
By the way, you may notice John Garfield in the credits--an odd thing since he died in the previous film! This is not 'zombie' John Garfield but he is shown in a somewhat creepy flashback sort of scene as Priscilla is pining for him. It's only a tiny cameo and nothing more. Also one other odd thing about the film is the scene where Gale Page has apparently arranged to adopt a baby without telling her husband. Even back in the good 'ol days, I find it hard to imagine any agency approving an adoption without the prospective father knowing!!! Only in Hollywood!
And, if you care, the disease Eddie Albert's character is always talking about (Pneumoconiosis) is a real disease and comes from inhalation of coal dust or asbestos. It includes 'black lung' and several other related illnesses.
The main theme of the film is Priscilla's depression following her hubby's death. Eventually, she snaps out of it (of sorts) and finally marries Felix (Jeffrey Lynn)--but memories of the dead man keep intruding on their happiness. So once again, Priscilla appears to be the main focus of the sisters--probably since at the time she was the most popular of the three real-life sisters.
This film is (finally) a worthy follow-up to the first film--and perhaps a bit better film (it's a lot sweeter and more sentimental). Priscilla's character is STILL a bit annoying and the rest of the folks are back just as they were in the first movie--a rather pleasant bunch who you wish could be your family! While there were no huge happenings, the film is sweet and worth seeing. Very nice but nothing earth-shattering.
By the way, you may notice John Garfield in the credits--an odd thing since he died in the previous film! This is not 'zombie' John Garfield but he is shown in a somewhat creepy flashback sort of scene as Priscilla is pining for him. It's only a tiny cameo and nothing more. Also one other odd thing about the film is the scene where Gale Page has apparently arranged to adopt a baby without telling her husband. Even back in the good 'ol days, I find it hard to imagine any agency approving an adoption without the prospective father knowing!!! Only in Hollywood!
And, if you care, the disease Eddie Albert's character is always talking about (Pneumoconiosis) is a real disease and comes from inhalation of coal dust or asbestos. It includes 'black lung' and several other related illnesses.