Dream Wife

Dream Wife is a 1953 romantic comedy film directed by Sidney Sheldon and starring Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, and Walter Pidgeon. The film follows the story of an American diplomat, Clemson Reade (played by Grant), who is sent on a mission to the fictional country of Bukistan to negotiate for the release of a group of American prisoners of war. While in Bukistan, Reade meets and falls in love with the the beautiful and headstrong princess of Bukistan, Tarji (played by Kerr).

The film begins with Reade receiving his assignment and traveling to Bukistan, where he is greeted by Tarji's father, the Sultan of Bukistan (played by Pidgeon). The Sultan is grateful for Reade's help and assigns him a translator, played by Eduard Franz. During his negotiations with the Sultan, Reade meets Tarji for the first time and is immediately drawn to her beauty and charm.

Despite their attraction to each other, there are numerous obstacles standing in the way of their romance. Tarji is a strong-willed princess who is expected to marry someone in line with the royal traditions of Bukistan. Additionally, Reade's foreign status and connection to the United States complicates their relationship.

Over the course of the film, Reade and Tarji navigate these obstacles and find themselves falling deeper in love. Along the way, they encounter various cultural differences and misunderstandings that add to the comedic nature of the film. For example, Tarji is fascinated by American hamburgers and insists on eating them as often as possible, even though they make her sick. Meanwhile, Reade is baffled by the Bukistani custom of men carrying their wives over the threshold when entering a new home.

As Reade's negotiations continue, he and Tarji find themselves growing closer and closer. However, their happiness is short-lived as political unrest in Bukistan threatens to tear them apart. With pressure mounting from both sides of the conflict, Reade and Tarji must decide whether their love is strong enough to overcome the odds.

Dream Wife is a classic romantic comedy with all the hallmarks of the genre: a charming leading man, a strong-willed leading lady, and plenty of comedic misunderstandings. The chemistry between Grant and Kerr is palpable, and their performances are as endearing now as they were in 1953. Pidgeon also delivers a strong performance as the Sultan of Bukistan, bringing depth and complexity to his character.

Overall, Dream Wife is a delightful film that is sure to entertain fans of classic romantic comedies. With its charming leads, comedic storyline, and exotic setting, it remains a beloved film nearly 70 years after its release.