Three Husbands (1950)

Although Three Husbands was inspired by A Letter to Three Wives, there's really no similarity between the films, other than the basic idea that three individuals receive a letter indicating that one of their spouses has been unfaithful. Those who come to Husbands expecting more of what they received in Wives will be disappointed, especially since mastermind Joseph Mankiewicz had no hand in the male version. However, if one puts Wives out of one's mind and approaches Husbands fresh, as just a film with no ties to any other film, s/he will likely be fairly entertained. Granted, Husbands is nothing like a great picture; the screenplay is adequate but not special, the dialogue humorous but not witty, the characters appealing but rather on the predictable side. But it has a certain small charm that makes one forgive it for not being a classic. Director Irving G. Reis helps matters by keeping things moving at a bright clip and making sure everything stays lively. As the men, Howard Da Silva, Sheppard Strudwick and Robert Karnes are all fine, but it's dependable Eva Arden who makes the biggest impression. Emlyn Williams also adds zest as the instigator of all the trouble. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide