Review of It Happened One Night (1958) by Roy C — 23 Nov 2010

WARNING: It Happened One Night may cause you to have the sudden urge to eat raw carrots!

In the year of 1932 a movie was released that experts predicted was going to bomb. This movie was called "It Happened One Night", and little did they know it would become one of the most successful movies ever made. Upon viewing I went in with little to no good expectations, a movie that was 78 years old surly would be difficult to watch. But after the opening credits I found myself indulged in the drama that was occurring. I knew that the movie would be good after I got the non-modern factor out of my head. The techniques being used seemed almost ancient but judging by the times and circumstances I realized how good the movie really was. Romantic comedies nowadays should be ashamed and should take note: if there is a good script and actors with good chemistry are involved the movie will end up greatly enhancing people's expectations.

The story starts off in Miami, FL where spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) is on a yacht accompanied by her father (Walter Connolly). Ellie has locked herself in one of the ships cabins after her over controlling father found out about a secret engagement with a Wall Street playboy, King Westley (Jameson Thomas). Ellie decides to jump overboard and swim to shore in hopes to escape her father's clutches. Mister Andrews decides to put an add in the paper rewarding $10,000 to anyone who has found his run away child. Ellie decides she must meet Wesley in New York, so she pawns her watch in order to buy a bus ticket. When on the bus, she sits next to a cynical reporter named Peter Warne (Clark Gable). The two begin bickering, until they reach a rest stop. During their stop, Ellie's bag including her money is stolen by an unidentified robber. Peter recognizes Ellie and blackmails her in hopes of getting a newsworthy story. Ellie travels with Peter knowing she is hopeless and unable to go to her father for help. The two spiral into a cross-country adventure that would lead to Ellie falling for Peter. The two must endure major road bumps like an unforgettable hitch hiking scene, sleeping in hay, resorting to eating raw carrots, and having to share a room together. Ellie confesses her love to Peter, at a motel they were staying at, causing him to have mix emotions on the situation. He realizes his love and must publish it. He runs to New York and begins writing the story and handing it to the editor. Ellie is woken from bed by the motel owners. She is forced to leave because of her not having any money. She thinks that Peter has left her and she calls her father to have King Wesley retrieve her. Peter must decide what to do in order to save his love for Ellie. In the end love triumphs and the barrier that once separated the two collapses.

"It Happened One Night", at first viewing may be thought of as an old school version of the adventure of love, but when realizing that most modern movies are based off of this type of story line, the movie is 100% original. Before the movie was released experts were predicting the "biggest Hollywood flop of all time" but little did they know Frank Capra had something up his sleeves. With an amazing screenplay written by Robert Riskin and brilliant leads he hit a bombshell. He created a movie that made audiences cheer, laugh, and maybe even cry. This was considered the first ever romantic comedy and ended up winning Five Academy awards. During the hotel scenes where Gable, and Colbert are getting into separate beds they put up a sheet for they don't have to see each other sleeping. Nowadays this scene would be unimportant but it creates a mood for the movie. Many cuts are involved going back and forth from each side and the wide shot really creates an awkward mood. The blanket that is separating the two is referred to as the "Wall of Jericho". It symbolizes uncertainty, and safety within. If it wasn't for Capra's vision comedies nowadays wouldn't be able to reflect upon such a unique piece of art. For an hour and forty minutes I was determined to finish this movie. It wasn't difficult, in fact in almost seemed 20 minutes to short. Many things were out of place towards the end making me rewind the previous scene to understand what was happening. But judging by the lack of technology the movie was still exceptionally perfect.

This old fashioned masterpiece is a defining film of the 20th century. If a movie like this were to be released today it would feel overly familiar. This film greatly exceeded my low expectations. With plenty of humor and fun, "It Happened One Night" is a sure winner.