Doctors' Wives (1971) premiered in the 40th Anniversary year of the unrelated same-titled picture Doctors' Wives (1931) which had debuted in 1931 whereas Doctors' Wives (1971) debuted in 1971. However, there are thematic similarities relating to adultery and infidelity relating to both pictures. Moreover, each movie had a significant "Frank" behind each film: Doctors' Wives (1931) was directed by Frank Borzage whilst Doctors' Wives (1971) was based on a novel by Frank Slaughter.