Holy Matrimony (1943 film)

Holy Matrimony is a 1943 comedy-drama film directed by John M. Stahl, and released by 20th Century Fox. The film stars Monty Woolley and Gracie Fields.

The screenplay was written by Nunnally Johnson, based on the 1908 novel Buried Alive by Arnold Bennett. The story concerns a famous English painter, Priam Farll (Woolley), who avoids public life. When his valet, Henry Leek, dies on their return journey to England after years abroad, Farll assumes the identity of the deceased to escape fame. He marries Alice Clayton (Fields), Henry Leek's intended bride. Complications arise when Farll's true identity is questioned after his paintings, thought to be lost, resurface and his official obituary proves to be false.

The film explores themes of identity, anonymity, and the nature of fame, as well as the unexpected bonds formed in unconventional circumstances. It received generally positive reviews upon its release, with particular praise directed towards the performances of Woolley and Fields.