Review of It Happened One Night (1958) by Josh M — 21 Jul 2009

Pitch-perfect chemistry, comedic timing and flawless delivery personified and captured on film. 'One night ' is without a doubt one of the earliest and most timeless incarnations of the romantic comedy and the standard by which subsequent films have been judged, though none have had the formula to match it.

A delightful collection of one liners, and what may be one of the best parts of the film is a great deal of give and take between the actors. Gable as the seemingly twice-bitten, hard as nails, jaded reporter, who actually conceals within him a true romantic and consummate gentleman.

Colbert as the icy, waspish heiress, who can actually give as good as she gets and is quite intelligent. Like the moon and the stars or eggs and bacon or in this case doughnuts and coffee. Too many brilliant scenes to cover although my personal favourite may be when Ellie finally professes her love to Peter with glistening eyes as he tells of his dreams and wishes or Peter as a gangster trying to scare off the unscrupulous Mr.

Shapely whom I would not wish as the traveling companion of my worst enemy. Simply brilliant! I can't begin to cover all the ways it out stripes the rest of the genre.