Is There a Movie the Paris Wife?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of Ernest Hemingway and his work, chances are you’ve heard of his first wife, Hadley Richardson. The couple’s tumultuous relationship has been the subject of many biographies and even a novel.

But what about a movie? Is there a movie about the Paris Wife?

Well, yes and no. While there isn’t a film specifically titled “The Paris Wife,” there is a movie that features Hadley as a character.

The movie in question is Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris,” which was released in 2011. The film follows Gil Pender, a Hollywood screenwriter played by Owen Wilson, as he visits Paris with his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams). While in Paris, Gil finds himself transported back to the 1920s at midnight each night and encounters famous writers and artists from that time period.

One of those artists is none other than Ernest Hemingway, played by Corey Stoll. In the film, Hemingway introduces Gil to his first wife Hadley Richardson, played by Alison Pill. The scenes featuring Hadley are brief but impactful, giving viewers a glimpse into the couple’s relationship and their time together in Paris.

While “Midnight in Paris” isn’t solely focused on Hadley and Ernest’s relationship like a potential “Paris Wife” movie might be, it does provide an interesting portrayal of the couple and their place in literary history.

Overall, while there isn’t currently a standalone movie about the Paris Wife, fans can still see Hadley on screen through her portrayal in “Midnight in Paris.” And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll get an adaptation of Paula McLain’s bestselling novel “The Paris Wife” that focuses solely on her story.

For now though, fans can enjoy watching Alison Pill bring Hadley to life on screen alongside some of history’s most famous writers and artists thanks to Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.”