The Farmer's Wife
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Elstree , United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
The Farmer's Wife is a 1928 British silent romantic comedy film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, featuring performances by Jameson Thomas, Lillian Hall-Davis, and Gordon Harker. The screenplay is based on the 1916 play written by British author and dramatist Eden Phillpotts. Production took place at Elstree Studios under the banner of British International Pictures. The visual design was overseen by art director Wilfred Arnold. A remake directed by Leslie Arliss was released in 1941.
Plot
Following the death of Tibby, wife of farmer Samuel Sweetland (Jameson Thomas), and after their daughter weds and moves away, Sweetland, motivated by Tibby’s expressed desire for him to remarry, begins courting several local unmarried women, guided by his housekeeper Minta (Lillian Hall-Davis). His initial proposal to Widow Louisa Windeatt is declined due to his perceived independence. Thirza Tapper refuses next, valuing her autonomy. Mary Hearn also rejects him, displeased with his straightforward manner. Feeling disheartened, Sweetland contemplates abandoning his search but is persuaded by his servant Ash to persist.
He then asks Mercy Bassett, a barmaid, who turns him down as well. Meanwhile, Hearn and Tapper reconsider their positions, concluding that Hearn should be Sweetland’s bride. Ultimately, Sweetland acknowledges Minta’s affection and proposes marriage to her. She accepts while wearing a dress gifted by Tibby. When Hearn arrives intending to claim Sweetland’s hand, she discovers Minta has been chosen as his wife. The story concludes with a celebratory toast to the newly formed couple.
Cast
- Jameson Thomas as Samuel Sweetland
- Lillian Hall-Davis as Araminta Dench, Housekeeper
- Gordon Harker as Churdles Ash, Handyman
- Gibb McLaughlin as Henry Coaker
- Maud Gill as Thirza Tapper
- Louie Pounds as Widow Louisa Windeatt
- Olga Slade as Mary Hearn, Postmistress
- Ruth Maitland as Mercy Bassett
- Antonia Brough as Susan
- Haward Watts as Dick Coaker
- Diana Napier (credited as Mollie Ellis) as Sibley Sweetland
Production
The supporting ensemble includes Gordon Harker portraying the comedic role of servant Churdles Ash, alongside notable appearances by Gibb McLaughlin and Maud Gill. The film features both interior scenes and exterior sequences such as horseback riding and a fox hunt that begins at the local inn.
Preservation status and home media
In 2012, The Farmer's Wife underwent restoration through the British Film Institute’s £2 million "Save the Hitchcock 9" campaign aimed at preserving Hitchcock’s remaining silent films. Despite widespread unauthorized reproductions, officially restored versions have been made available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms by distributors including Optimum in the UK, Lionsgate, and Kino Lorber in the US.