Borrowed Wives (1930) | Directed by Frank R. Strayer

A pre-Code comedy about a man who must marry in order to inherit his wealthy uncle’s fortune. When complications arise, he persuades a friend’s wife to pose as his bride, leading to mistaken identities, comic entanglements, and romantic confusion.

Genre: Comedy

Director: Frank R. Strayer

Frank R. Strayer (1891–1964) was an American director and screenwriter known for his prolific work in low-budget films during the 1920s–1940s. He directed numerous features across genres, including mysteries, comedies, and melodramas. Strayer is perhaps best remembered today for directing several entries in the Blondie film series as well as various early sound features.
Star Cast:

Rex Lease as Peter Foley

Vera Reynolds as Alice Blake

Nita Martan as Julia Thorndyke

Paul Hurst as Harry

Robert Livingston as Tom

Sam Hardy as John Blake

Maude Turner Gordon as Aunt Sarah

Borrowed Wives was a modest release typical of early sound comedies. While not a major critical or commercial success, it provided light entertainment at a time when audiences were still adjusting to talking pictures. Its farcical plot and comedic mix-ups appealed to viewers who enjoyed stage-style humor on screen.

Fun Facts:

The film is considered part of the “pre-Code” era, produced before strict enforcement of Hollywood’s Production Code in 1934.

Borrowed Wives is sometimes screened by classic film enthusiasts as an example of early 1930s low-budget comedy.

Rex Lease, the star, appeared in over 200 films, often in westerns and supporting roles.

The movie is relatively rare today, though some prints survive and circulate among collectors.

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