Review of The Awful Truth (1937) by Adam D — 30 Jan 2015

A splendid example of the spontaneous, effervescent film genre known as screwball comedy, Leo McCarey's "The Awful Truth" (1937) concerns a sophisticated New York couple who've grown more than a little distrustful of each other over the years, each suspecting the other of infidelity.

Known for its giddy brand of comedy and zany pacing, The Awful Truth includes priceless vignettes like a divorce court scene where Lucy and Jerry vie for custody of their beloved wirehaired fox terrier Mr.

Smith (Asta from "The Thin Man" series). "The Awful Truth" remains one of the most significant comedies of the 1930s, one dealing with the at-the-time unusual subject of divorce in a clever, urbane manner, while still reaffirming the importance of Lucy and Jerry's marriage.