One of My Wives Is Missing

Released in 1985, 'One of My Wives Is Missing' is a low-budget comedy film directed by Curtis Hanson. The movie takes place in the small town of Willow Creek, where Daniel Corban, a wealthy and somewhat eccentric businessman, finds himself in the midst of a peculiar situation. Upon arrival at the local police station, Daniel Corban's anxiety and desperation become palpable as he frantically demands that Inspector Harry Stevens drop everything and find his missing wife. The scene is set against the picturesque backdrop of Willow Creek, a quaint town where time seems to stand still. The locals are known for their warmth and easy-going nature, and Inspector Stevens is no exception. With a calm and nonchalant demeanor, Stevens agrees to assist Corban in searching for his missing spouse, even though there's little indication of foul play. As the investigation unfolds, Inspector Stevens discovers that Corban's wife, Elaine, was last seen at a local party, where she had become intoxicated. The police begin by questioning the party attendees, but it becomes clear that Corban's story is shrouded in mystery. When a woman claiming to be Elaine Corban shows up at the police station, Daniel insists that this is not his wife. However, the woman who claims to be Elaine appears to be confident and resolute in her identity. She even seems to possess intimate knowledge of Corban's life, including details about their marriage and his business dealings. This apparent recognition by Elaine's doppelganger throws Corban's claims into doubt, leaving the audience wondering who's telling the truth. Inspector Stevens finds himself in a precarious position, as he tries to navigate the complexities of Corban's situation. The police inspector's non-intrusive and affable nature allows him to maintain a delicate balance between humor and compassion. As he continues to investigate, Stevens can't help but notice that Corban's behavior is quite erratic, which may be a result of his wife's disappearance or, perhaps, something more sinister. As the mystery deepens, a series of comedic misunderstandings ensues, with Inspector Stevens often finding himself at the center of an unfolding farce. The movie effectively employs humor to diffuse the tension, keeping the audience entertained even as they're trying to piece together the puzzle of Corban's situation. Through a series of plot twists and turns, it becomes clear that Daniel Corban's story might not be entirely truthful. Despite his wife's disappearance, Corban appears more upset about losing the control and stability that Elaine brought into his life. Meanwhile, the woman claiming to be Elaine Corban seems to relish her newfound freedom and the prospect of building a life beyond her marriage. As the truth begins to unravel, Inspector Stevens starts to suspect that Daniel Corban might be behind Elaine's disappearance. This revelation leads to a surprising climactic twist, where it's revealed that Corban had arranged for a lookalike to help him get out of the marriage. The movie ends on a bittersweet note, as Corban is left alone to grapple with the consequences of his actions, while Elaine, now freed from her unhappy marriage, sets out to forge a new path in life. 'One of My Wives Is Missing' is an engaging comedy that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. With a cast of relatable characters and a story that meanders through the highs and lows of human relationships, the movie offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of marriage and the lengths people will go to escape their commitments. While the low-budget production might be a limiting factor for some viewers, the film's quirky charm and unexpected humor make it a worthwhile watch for anyone looking to explore a lesser-known comedy gem.