The Couple Takes a Wife Poster

The Couple Takes a Wife 1972

73 min📅 1972-12-05

In *The Couple Takes a Wife (1972)*, a harried husband and wife juggling careers and household chaos decide to bring order to their lives by hiring a live-in housekeeper—only to discover that their new domestic authority figure is as effortlessly cha...

Director: Jerry Paris

Cast

Bill Bixby
Bill Bixby
Jeff Hamilton
Paula Prentiss
Paula Prentiss
Barbara Hamilton
Valerie Perrine
Valerie Perrine
Jennifer Allen
Myrna Loy
Myrna Loy
Barbara's Mother
Robert Goulet
Robert Goulet
Randy Perkins
Nanette Fabray
Nanette Fabray
Marion Randolph
Larry Storch
Larry Storch
David
Mia Bendixsen
Christy Hamilton
Dana Laurita
Mindy Hamilton
Penny Marshall
Penny Marshall
Paula

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Couple Takes a Wife (1972) about?

This 1972 comedy follows a stressed-out couple who hire a housekeeper to restore balance to their chaotic lives—only to realize her charm and efficiency are causing more drama than they bargained for. As the boundaries between hired help and household insider blur, the film explores themes of control, attraction, and the absurdity of domestic perfection.

Who directed The Couple Takes a Wife?

The film was directed by Jerry Paris, best known for his work in television comedy during the 1960s and 70s.

Who stars in The Couple Takes a Wife?

The film stars Bill Bixby, Paula Prentiss, Valerie Perrine, Myrna Loy, and Robert Goulet in a charming ensemble cast.

Is The Couple Takes a Wife (1972) worth watching?

With its sharp mid-century humor and a runtime that zips by, *The Couple Takes a Wife* is a fun, if lightweight, diversion for fans of classic TV comedies. While not a groundbreaking film, its playful take on domestic chaos and standout performances—especially from Perrine—make it a nostalgic pick worth streaming or downloading for a quick laugh.

How long is The Couple Takes a Wife?

The movie has a runtime of 73 minutes.

About The Couple Takes a Wife (1972) — A zany 70s comedy about hiring a housekeeper who's a little too perfect

In *The Couple Takes a Wife (1972)*, a harried husband and wife juggling careers and household chaos decide to bring order to their lives by hiring a live-in housekeeper—only to discover that their new domestic authority figure is as effortlessly charming as she is alarmingly efficient. Directed by Jerry Paris, this lighthearted comedy dives into the humorous and slightly awkward dynamics of outsourcing love and labor when a stranger's presence begins to blur the lines between hired help and household member. With a breezy runtime of just over an hour, the film blends screwball antics with mid-century domestic satire, poking fun at the idealized roles of the 1970s while keeping the tone playful and relatable.

Bill Bixby and Paula Prentiss shine as the overworked duo whose lives take a turn when Valerie Perrine's magnetic housekeeper arrives, bringing charm, competence, and more than a few complications. Featuring a nostalgic cast that includes Myrna Loy in a cameo role, this made-for-TV movie balances wit and warmth, making it a quirky time capsule of both its era and the timeless chaos of modern domesticity. Whether you're a fan of classic comedies or curious about the evolution of TV movies, *The Couple Takes a Wife* offers a quick, clever escape with a dash of retro flair.