What: The Awful Truth is a classic 1930s screwball comedy, a fine example of its type. The dapper Cary Grant and the sublime Irene Dunne play a soon-to-be-divorced couple who spend most of the movie sabotaging each other's new relationships.
Comparable to: Do you love Asta in the Thin Man films? Of course you do. Well, the same dog plays the pivotal role of Mr. Smith here. Watch the hat.
Opening lines: "Come on, Haig, get that sun lamp ready."
Representative dialogue:
"What do we drink to?"
"Well, let's drink to our future. Here's hoping you and Barbara will be very happy, which I doubt very much."
"No, let's drink to your happiness with Buffalo Bill, which doesn't even make sense."
Bonus representative quote: "In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to what he's been thinking about all winter."
You might not like it if: You've seen some of the other versions of this movie (from 1925, 1929, or 1953), and you are now Over It.
How to get it: Careful here. This is a common title and the particular story itself has been remade a few times. If you want this version — and I think you do — look for The Awful Truth from 1937 with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.
Connections to previous Wreckage: Get your fix of classic screwball with The Palm Beach Story (Rec. #17), The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (Rec. #65), and Midnight (Rec. #194).
Love Cary, and Asta, but can never get into this film. I've tried on several occasions. Because I have read so many outstanding reviews I know the fault is mine.
ReplyDeleteDid see and LOVE The Artist!
Thanks for continuing with this blog. I've enjoy the rec's.