The Farmer's Wife

"The Farmer's Wife" is a British comedy film that was released in 1941. Directed by Leslie Arliss, the movie features an impressive cast, including Basil Sydney, Wilfrid Lawson, and Nora Swinburne.

The plot revolves around a widowed farmer named Samuel Sweetland who realizes that he needs a wife to help him run his farm. He enlists the help of his housekeeper, Araminta Dench, to find him a suitable partner. However, Samuel's expectations of a wife are very high, and he insists on interviewing several local women to find the perfect match.

Despite his efforts, Samuel is unable to find a woman that meets his exacting standards. His daughter, Thirza, tries to help him by inviting a friend to the farm, but this only leads to a series of embarrassing and chaotic situations. Meanwhile, Samuel's housekeeper becomes increasingly frustrated with his behavior and decides to take matters into her own hands.

One day, Araminta decides to invite three women to the farm without Samuel's knowledge. The women, who are all interested in Samuel, arrive at the farm and reveal their feelings to Araminta. She then orchestrates a series of events that force Samuel to confront his loneliness and his rigid expectations of what a wife should be.

The film is a charming and lighthearted comedy that explores themes of love, loneliness, and the importance of connection. The characters are well-developed and endearing, and the story is both engaging and entertaining. It is a testament to the power of love and the joy that comes from human connection.

Basil Sydney delivers a strong performance as Samuel Sweetland, the grumpy and stubborn farmer who gradually realizes the error of his ways. He portrays the character with a great deal of warmth and humor, making the audience root for him despite his flaws.

Wilfred Lawson is also excellent as Churdles Ash, a local farmer who is Samuel's friend and confidante. He provides a wonderful source of comic relief and adds a lot of fun to the film.

Nora Swinburne is fantastic as Araminta Dench, Samuel's understanding and sharp-witted housekeeper. She is the heart of the film, and her clever maneuvering is what ultimately brings Samuel and his wife together.

Overall, "The Farmer's Wife" is an enjoyable and heart-warming film that will appeal to fans of classic British cinema. Its timeless themes and relatable characters make it a must-see for anyone looking for a good laugh and a feel-good story.