The Merry Wives Poster

The Merry Wives 1938

★ 6.17 votes85 min📅 1938-09-16

Dive into the wit and social satire of *The Merry Wives (1938)*, Otakar Vávra's sharp comedy-drenched take on class struggle and moral hypocrisy.

Director: Otakar Vávra

Cast

Zdeněk Štěpánek
Zdeněk Štěpánek
Mikulas Dacicky of Heslov
Ladislav Pešek
Ladislav Pešek
Ocko
Václav Vydra
Václav Vydra
Wilhelm z Vřesovic
Helena Friedlová
Ludmilla
František Smolík
František Smolík
Alderman Triska
Jiřina Šejbalová
Jiřina Šejbalová
Sofia Triska
Theodor Pištěk
Theodor Pištěk
Squire Vodnansky
Antonie Nedošinská
Antonie Nedošinská
Vodnansky's Wife
Elena Hálková
Elena Hálková
Eva
Gustav Hilmar
Gustav Hilmar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Merry Wives (1938) about?

*The Merry Wives* unfolds as a spirited clash between wealth and the working class, where a morally conflicted lord intervenes to save a man wrongly condemned for speaking out against corrupt elites. The film captures a moment of defiance against oppression, all while serving up sharp humor and social commentary.

Who directed The Merry Wives?

The Merry Wives was directed by Otakar Vávra, a filmmaker known for blending historical themes with satirical storytelling.

Who stars in The Merry Wives?

The film features Zdeněk Štěpánek, Ladislav Pešek, Václav Vydra, Helena Friedlová, and František Smolík in key roles.

Is The Merry Wives (1938) worth watching?

With its engaging blend of comedy and historical satire, *The Merry Wives (1938)* offers a refreshing look at class dynamics through a lens of humor. While it's a classic, its themes of justice and rebellion still feel relevant today, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of vintage cinema and social narratives.

How long is The Merry Wives?

The Merry Wives has a runtime of 85 minutes.

About The Merry Wives (1938) — A Classic Comedy Rooted in Class Rebellion

Dive into the wit and social satire of *The Merry Wives (1938)*, Otakar Vávra's sharp comedy-drenched take on class struggle and moral hypocrisy. Set against a backdrop of feudal oppression, the film follows a nobleman who risks his standing to defend a working-class man sentenced to death for daring to challenge the wealthy elite. With a blend of humor and biting commentary, *The Merry Wives* weaves a tale of rebellion, camaraderie, and the absurdity of power, all wrapped in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking package. Zdeněk Štěpánek and Ladislav Pešek lead a cast that brings both charm and gravitas to this historical satire, where laughter becomes a quiet act of defiance.

Otakar Vávra's direction infuses the film with a playful yet biting tone, balancing slapstick moments with deeper themes of justice and solidarity. The atmosphere crackles with the tension between privilege and poverty, all while maintaining a breezy, entertaining rhythm. For fans of classic comedies that pack a punch, *The Merry Wives (1938)* offers a timeless critique wrapped in a lighthearted narrative, proving that even a century ago, the struggle against greed and injustice resonated just as loudly.