Don't Tell the Wife 1937
"HIS GOLD MINE STOCK WENT SKY HIGH- By Mistake!"
Christy Cabanne's sparkling pre-Code comedy Don't Tell the Wife (1937) follows a freshly sprung con artist as he rounds up his motley gang—including the ever-loyal Guy Kibbee and the quick-witted Una Merkel—for one last golden scheme.
Director: Christy Cabanne
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Don't Tell the Wife (1937) about?
The film centers on a recently released con artist who gathers his usual crew to sell shares in a nonexistent New Mexico gold mine. The scheme takes a hilarious turn when an honest but naive man gets caught in the crossfire of the hustle.
Who directed Don't Tell the Wife?
Christy Cabanne, a prolific director known for his work in the 1920s and 1930s, helmed Don't Tell the Wife.
Who stars in Don't Tell the Wife?
The film features Guy Kibbee, Una Merkel, Lynne Overman, Thurston Hall, and Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams in key roles.
Is Don't Tell the Wife (1937) worth watching?
With its breezy pace, sharp comedy, and classic Hollywood charm, Don't Tell the Wife offers a fun snapshot of pre-Code screwball fun. While it may not rank among the most celebrated films of the era, its lighthearted hijinks make it a pleasant watch for fans of early comedies.
How long is Don't Tell the Wife?
Don't Tell the Wife runs for 62 minutes, a brisk runtime typical of many 1930s comedies.
About Don't Tell the Wife (1937) — Fast-talking con men, gold-mine scams, and screwball comedy classics
Christy Cabanne's sparkling pre-Code comedy Don't Tell the Wife (1937) follows a freshly sprung con artist as he rounds up his motley gang—including the ever-loyal Guy Kibbee and the quick-witted Una Merkel—for one last golden scheme. Fresh out of prison, Thurston Hall's latest plan is to sell worthless stock in a supposed New Mexico gold mine, but his usual flair for deception quickly collides with the stubborn honesty of his latest victim. Packed with rapid-fire gags, double-crosses, and enough mischief to fill a silver screen, this 62-minute romp delivers classic Hollywood comedy at its most audacious.
Underneath the chaos, the film explores themes of trust, greed, and the fine line between hustler and fool, all wrapped in the breezy confection of 1930s screwball comedy. Cabanne directs with a light touch, letting Guy Kibbee's wide-eyed innocence and Una Merkel's razor-sharp timing drive the laughs. The movie crackles with the kind of playful energy that makes Don't Tell the Wife a forgotten gem worth uncovering for fans of old-school comic capers.