Kept Husbands

Kept Husbands is a 1931 American pre-Code romantic comedy film directed by Lloyd Bacon, starring Joan Blondell, Jimmy Durante, and Madge Evans. The movie revolves around the story of "Bugs" Fenwick, played by Jimmy Durante, a former American football star who has fallen from his glory days and is now working as a supervisor at a steel mill in New Jersey. Bugs is a likable and affable character who has lost none of his charm and charisma from his days on the gridiron. Bugs' life takes a dramatic turn when he sets eyes on Vivian Marsh, played by Madge Evans, the beautiful and spoiled daughter of the mill's owner, Henry Marsh Sr. Vivian is a wealthy socialite who has never had to lift a finger in her life, and she takes immense pride in her status as a high-society woman. She is used to getting everything she wants, whenever she wants it, and she expects to be treated as such by those around her. Bugs, on the other hand, is an everyman who has worked hard to get where he is. He is a down-to-earth guy who lives modestly and has a strong sense of justice. Despite his affable nature, Bugs is not cowed by Vivian's haughty demeanor and is not afraid to speak his mind to her. The two lock horns immediately, engaging in witty banter and playful jabs at each other. Despite their differences, Bugs and Vivian develop a strong attraction to each other. They start to spend more time together, and Vivian begins to see the world from Bugs' perspective. She learns that there's more to life than just being a trophy wife or a socialite, and she starts to question her privileged upbringing. Meanwhile, Bugs' best friend and roommate, Eddie Murphy, played by Jimmy Durante, is a wise-cracking, quick-witted guy who has a knack for getting out of sticky situations. Eddie becomes Vivian's foil, constantly teasing her about her high-society habits and trying to teach her how to be more down-to-earth. As Bugs and Vivian grow closer, they face opposition from Vivian's family, particularly her father, Henry Marsh Sr. The old man is opposed to Bugs because he's a "commoner" who doesn't measure up to Vivian's standards. Henry sees Bugs as a threat to his social status and is desperate to keep Vivian away from him. Despite the odds against them, Bugs and Vivian find themselves falling deeply in love. They share a number of exciting romantic adventures, including a memorable date at the ballpark, where they watch a baseball game together. Bugs even teaches Vivian how to throw a football and catches her eye with his old-school quarterback charm. However, their relationship is put to the test when Henry Marsh Sr. discovers that Bugs is working at the steel mill. The old man sees this as a betrayal and refuses to allow Bugs to continue seeing Vivian. Bugs is heartbroken, but he refuses to give up on his love for Vivian. In a dramatic finale, Bugs confronts Henry Marsh Sr. and tells him that he will not be deterred from pursuing Vivian. The old man eventually relents, realizing that Bugs is a good man who loves his daughter truly. Henry even comes to respect Bugs for his working-class values and his ability to teach Vivian the value of hard work and dedication. In the end, Bugs and Vivian get married, surrounded by their friends and family. The movie ends on a happy note, with the two lovebirds riding off into the sunset, ready to face whatever challenges come their way. Kept Husbands is a charming romantic comedy that showcases the comedic talents of Jimmy Durante and the romantic chemistry between Madge Evans and Jimmy Durante. The movie is filled with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and plenty of humor. Despite being a product of its time, the film's themes of social mobility and the importance of true love are timeless and universal.