WAC Double Features: Merry Wives of Reno /Smarty

"Until divorce do us part." The solemn institution of marriage gets a swift kick in the pants from two frisky farces that mix sophistication with slapstick. In Merry Wives of Reno, New York society dames head west to shake loose spouses they think are unfaithful with the misunderstood husbands (and a scene-stealing sheep) in hot pursuit. A galaxy of comic actors keep the slightly-naughty fun spinning along. Joan Blondell, Warren William and Edward Everett Horton change partners in Smarty, until Blondell wants hubby #1 back. But the marital trouble that began with a definitely un-PC slap across the mug ends in a slaphappy comedy of manners as domestic order is restored. In pre-Code Hollywood, breaking up was fun to do.

• comedy