The Review - It Happened One Night

On the weekend just past, Luke's parents introduced to me to another wonderful classic movie called It Happened One Night, a 1934 film directed by Frank Capra (who also directed It's a Wonderful Life, Meet John Doe, Mr Deeds Goes to Town, etc).

Although I don't quite think the title fits the film, it is really worth watching. It  was the first film ever to take out all top 5 Academy Awards: Best Film, Director, Screenplay (for Robert Riskin), Actor and Actress.

The film stars Claudette Colbert as a spoiled heiress who is on the run from her father after eloping with a fortune hunter of whom her father disapproves. While trying to get to New York City to be reunited with her lover, she runs into down-on-his luck reporter Peter Warne, played by Clark Gable.

This movie was one of the first successful "screwball comedies." It is so delightful to watch, with witty dialogue and great characters, and the chemistry between Colbert and Gable is marvellous! Here is one of those films that was supposed to be a rather "B-grade" production, but somehow it got two big stars and a good script, and everything just fell into place.

I love the fact that because Gable takes off his shirt in one scene and is not wearing a singlet underneath, sales of singlets plummeted as the film grew in popularity. Likewise, bus ticket sales to single women dramatically increased.

 

 Ellie Andrews: You've got a name, haven't you?
Peter Warne: Yeah, I got a name. Peter Warne.
Ellie Andrews: Peter Warne. I don't like it.
Peter Warne: Don't let it bother you. You're giving it back to me in the morning.
  Ellie Andrews: Pleased to meet you, Mr. Warne.
Peter Warne: The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Warne. 

Alexander Andrews: Oh, er, do you mind if I ask you a question, frankly? Do you love my daughter?
Peter Warne: Any guy that'd fall in love with your daughter ought to have his head examined.
Alexander Andrews: Now that's an evasion!
Peter Warne: She picked herself a perfect running mate - King Westley - the pill of the century! What she needs is a guy that'd take a sock at her once a day, whether it's coming to her or not. If you had half the brains you're supposed to have, you'd done it yourself, long ago.
Alexander Andrews: Do you love her?
Peter Warne: A normal human being couldn't live under the same roof with her without going nutty! She's my idea of nothing!
Alexander Andrews: I asked you a simple question! Do you love her?
Peter Warne: YES! But don't hold that against me, I'm a little screwy myself! 

 

 

 

Anyway, take a look - it's definitely worth it.

Until next time :)