Review of The Awful Truth (1937) by Indi V — 17 Aug 2011

"The Awful Truth" is a wonderful example of a screwball comedy! Jerry (Grant) and his wife Lucy (Dunne) are having some marital issues, and soon decide they need a divorce. There is 30 days to finalize it, and in the meantime, the two try to find romance so they can get married right away.

Jerry can't find anyone, but Lucy ends up with a goofy guy from the country (Bellamy), making Jerry a bit jealous. But when Lucy finds out her new beau is annoying, both she and Jerry realize that they still love each other.

Can they get their divorce canceled in time? "The Awful Truth" is the best known out of all of the Irene Dunne/ Cary Grant pairings. After seeing "My Favorite Wife", and really liking it, I thought it would be hard to beat, but little did I know how hilarious this movie was! They comedy is simply outstanding-- you not only get great "Nick and Nora" esque lines, but there's also quite a bit of physical comedy, as well as just well-- outrageousness, if that's even a word.

Grant and Dunne are simply perfect, as well as Bellamy. This is known for being Grant's breakthrough role, which is rare considering how few comedies could change an actors career, it proves how great "The Awful Truth" is.

Dunne definitely deserved her Oscar nod, and is hilarious as Lucy. Her character is outrageous, and seeing her in mostly dramatic roles, you see how much of a versatile actress she was just by seeing this.

Bellamy is excellent, and often steals the scenes from his co-stars. I think I laughed at him the most-- his character is so dumb and silly that so many of the things he does make you giggle. "The Awful Truth" is a very good comedy.

Recommended.