Friday Flashback: Rec. #219: The Awful Truth

I decided to start doing Friday Flashbacks in case you missed some early posts the first time around. You're busy; I understand.

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).


[Originally posted 1/22/12.]