My Wife’s Relations (1922)

Due to a judicial error, Buster ends up married to a large, domineering woman with an unfriendly father and four bullying brothers. “My Wife’s Relations” is a 1922 American short comedy film that, like many of Buster Keaton’s signature works, showcases his directorial skill as well as his acting and stunt talents in the lead role. Some believe that “My Wife’s Relations” reflects Buster’s life while married to Natalie Talmadge, but this remains purely speculative.

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My Wife’s Relations (1922) Cast

• Buster Keaton: The Husband
• Monte Collins: The Father (uncredited)
• Wheezer Dell: Brother (uncredited)
• Harry Madison: Brother (uncredited)
• Kate Price: The Wife (uncredited)
• Joe Roberts: Brother (uncredited)
• Tom Wilson: Brother (uncredited)

My Wife’s Relations (1922) Storyline

The film begins with Buster Keaton, playing the role of a young man, being mistakenly married to a woman named Mrs. Brown by a judge who is drunk and confused. The judge, played by Joe Roberts, is shown to be a bumbling and incompetent figure, which sets the tone for the rest of the film.

As the story progresses, Buster becomes increasingly frustrated with his new family and their bizarre behavior. He tries to escape, but is constantly thwarted by his wife and her family, who are determined to keep him trapped in their chaotic household.

Meanwhile, Buster’s attempts to communicate with his wife and her family are met with confusion and misinterpretation, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and mishaps. The film’s humor is largely based on Keaton’s physical comedy skills, as he uses his body to convey the absurdity and confusion of the situations he finds himself in.

In the climax of the film, Buster’s wife and her family become increasingly abusive, leading Buster to take drastic measures to escape. He uses his physical agility and quick thinking to outsmart his in-laws and make his way back to his own home.

The film ends with Buster, relieved to be free from his chaotic family, returning to his normal life. The final scene shows Buster, still confused and disoriented, trying to make sense of the events that have transpired, while the judge who performed the mistaken marriage is shown to be still drunk and confused, adding to the overall comedic tone of the film.