A Secret Life story
James wants to divorce his wife Marjorie, but has no grounds for it. He reluctantly hires a private investigator who tails after Marjorie, and is shocked to hear that his wife has been throwing parties and has an actor as her lover. James is jealous and reconciles with Marjorie, but later learns that the PI had been following the wrong woman, an actress who looks very similar to Marjorie. Directed by: Don Weis. Story by: Nicholas Monsarrat, Jerry Sohl.
13 total · 8 major · 5 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| divorce | major | The plot follows James as he hires a private investigator to find grounds for James to divorce his wife. |
| divorce procedures | major | Legal aspects of divorce in the United States were showcased. |
| extramarital affair | major | James wanted to divorce his wife and live openly with his young mistress, Estelle. |
| feeling tied down in a relationship | major | James felt bored in his marriage and sought a divorce. |
| husband and wife | major | James was bored in his marriage to Marjorie, took up with a young woman, and tried to secure a divorce. |
| mimetic desire | major | James' interest in his wife was unexpectedly rekindled when he learned (incorrectly as it were) that she had taken a lover. |
| romantic jealousy | major | James became jealous when he thought his wife had a lover. |
| the need for adventure | major | James wanted to leave his wive because he needed some spice in his life. |
| boredom | minor | James cited boredom as a reason for wanting a divorce. |
| legal occupation | minor | James consulted his lawyer about getting a divorce. |