
Borrowed Wives 1930
"At midnight Peter Foley's wife can collect a million dollar inheritance- but there is no Mrs. Foley! So he borrows a wife, and that is when the mystery and fun begin."
In this zany pre-Code comedy, Frank R. Strayer delivers a lightning-fast 62-minute romp centered on a high-stakes matrimonial deadline. Peter Foley's million-dollar inheritance hinges on being married by midnight, but with no Mrs.
Director: Frank R. Strayer
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Borrowed Wives (1930) about?
Peter Foley's million-dollar inheritance is at stake unless he's married by midnight, but with no wife in sight, he improvises by borrowing one. What follows is a madcap race against time, filled with comedic chaos and the eerie whispers of a haunted mansion.
Who directed Borrowed Wives?
The film was directed by Frank R. Strayer, a filmmaker known for his work in the pre-Code era whose comedies often balanced humor with a touch of suspense.
Who stars in Borrowed Wives?
The main cast includes Rex Lease as Peter Foley, Nita Martan as the borrowed wife, Sam Hardy, Paul Hurst, Vera Reynolds, and Robert Livingston.
Is Borrowed Wives (1930) worth watching?
While it's unrated on IMDb, Borrowed Wives offers a delightful snapshot of early sound-era comedy, packed with wit and playful spookiness. Fans of screwball films or lighthearted mysteries will find its premise and pacing irresistibly fun.
How long is Borrowed Wives?
Borrowed Wives runs for 62 minutes.
About Borrowed Wives (1930) — A million-dollar deadline, a borrowed spouse, and a house full of secrets
In this zany pre-Code comedy, Frank R. Strayer delivers a lightning-fast 62-minute romp centered on a high-stakes matrimonial deadline. Peter Foley's million-dollar inheritance hinges on being married by midnight, but with no Mrs. Foley in sight, he makes a daring decision: he borrows a wife. The catch? The inheritance's eccentric uncle lives in a supposedly haunted house, turning the entire scheme into a laughter-filled minefield of suspense and slapstick surprises. As the clock ticks down, Peter and his impromptu spouse navigate a series of escalating mishaps, each twist upping the ante on both comedy and chaos, all while the shadowy halls of the old mansion seem to whisper secrets of their own.
Borrowed Wives (1930) blends screwball energy with the eerie charm of a classic haunted-house tale, wrapping its premise in the playful absurdity of the era. Rex Lease and Nita Martan shine as the reluctant newlyweds, their chemistry driving the film's blend of farce and lighthearted tension. Whether it's a ghostly groan echoing through the corridors or a frantic scramble to pull off the perfect ruse, the film keeps the laughs and thrills in perfect balance.