Review of It Happened One Night (1958) by Matthew C — 16 Jun 2012

Capra shows the roots of his humor and depth in this delightful feature length sketch featuring Gable and Colbert. The lovable duo are perfect together in the classic portrayal of love meeting in the strangest of circumstances.

In this case, a down on his luck reporter and an heiress on the run. What Capra does do well is first, make you laugh, but more importantly puts you square in the heart of Gable, who's frustrated and tired but taken by this girl; and Colbert, who's equally frustrated and tired but taken by this real man who handles her so well, shouts at her but feeds her, prepares her beds and takes care of her.

Reporters are notrious for being selfish and Gable exudes it, but not without showing great selflessness by putting up with her and making sure she survives her life outside wealth. The adventure and realness is too much to resist for Colbert and this beautiful girl with the soul of a child is too much for the battered Gable.

And so it happened one night.