Hired Wife (1934)

Plot Summary

Kent Johns learns that he must be married within a certain timeframe to collect a significant fortune left by his late grandfather. Kent originally plans to marry his girlfriend, "Dovie" Jansen, but she calls off their wedding to marry a European count instead. Needing a wife quickly, Kent proposes a business-like marriage to Vivian "Vi" Matthews (Greta Nissen), his next-door neighbor who has long harbored feelings for him. The contract stipulates that after one year, they will divorce, and Vi will receive a $100,000 settlement. Encouraged by her friend Pat, Vi accepts the offer. During their honeymoon in New York City, Vi undergoes a physical transformation—aided by her personal maid, Celeste—evolving from a plain "homely matron" into a sophisticated and beautiful woman. While Kent remains preoccupied with business and often neglects his new wife, his artist friend Philip Marlowe (James Kirkwood) becomes deeply attracted to the "new" Vi, creating a romantic rivalry.

Full Cast & Characters

Greta Nissen

Vivian Mathews

Weldon Heyburn

Kent Johns

James Kirkwood

Philip Marlowe

Molly O'Day

Pat Sullivan

Jane Winton

Dovie Jansen

Blanche Taylor

Mrs. Jansen

Carolyn Gales

Aunt Mancha

Director & Crew

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