The Make-Believe Wife Poster

The Make-Believe Wife 1918

50 min📅 1918-11-17

Set against the rustic charm of an early 20th-century mountain retreat, *The Make-Believe Wife (1918)* follows a group of carefree vacationers whose plans for adventure take an unexpected turn.

Director: John S. Robertson

Cast

Billie Burke
Billie Burke
Phyllis Ashbrook
Alfred Hickman
Alfred Hickman
Roger Mason
Ida Darling
Ida Darling
Mrs. Ashbrook
David Powell
David Powell
John Manning
Wray Page
Anita Webb
Isabel O'Madigan
Mrs. Harbury
Frances Kaye
Eileen Harbury
Bigelow Cooper
Bigelow Cooper
Mr. Ashbrook
Howard Johnson
Donald Ashbrook
F. Gatenbery Bell
Mr. Harbury

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Make-Believe Wife (1918) about?

This early silent comedy centers on two friends who become stranded overnight during a mountain hike, forcing them into a pretend marriage upon their return. The situation spirals into comedic chaos as their respective engagements complicate the farce.

Who directed The Make-Believe Wife?

The film was directed by John S. Robertson, a prolific filmmaker known for his work in both silent and early sound eras.

Who stars in The Make-Believe Wife?

The film stars Billie Burke, Alfred Hickman, David Powell, Ida Darling, and Wray Page in its lead roles.

Is The Make-Believe Wife (1918) worth watching?

While it's a product of its time, *The Make-Believe Wife* offers charming period appeal and breezy humor that holds up surprisingly well. Fans of silent-era rom-coms or classic comedies will likely find its lighthearted premise an enjoyable watch.

How long is The Make-Believe Wife?

The movie runs for 50 minutes, making it a perfect short film for a quick dose of vintage entertainment.

About The Make-Be-Believe Wife (1918) — Silent Comedy Classic with Billie Burke Explores Love by Accident

Set against the rustic charm of an early 20th-century mountain retreat, *The Make-Believe Wife (1918)* follows a group of carefree vacationers whose plans for adventure take an unexpected turn. After a hiking expedition leaves Phyllis Ashbrook and John Manning separated from the rest, the two find themselves stranded in a remote cabin overnight. When they finally rejoin the group the following day, social expectations force them into a hasty—and entirely fictional—marriage, even though both are already committed to other partners. Directed with lighthearted precision by John S. Robertson, this silent-era comedy thrives on playful misunderstandings and the absurdity of societal norms clashing with spontaneity.

Billie Burke and Alfred Hickman lead the charismatic ensemble cast, their chemistry driving a story that balances gentle satire with genuine warmth. The film's breezy pacing and crisp humor paint a snapshot of an era when rules were both rigid and ripe for bending. With themes of deception by circumstance and the whims of fate, *The Make-Believe Wife (1918)* remains a delightful artifact of early cinema, offering a window into how love stories could take delightfully circuitous routes.