Review of The Awful Truth (1937) by Jon L — 29 Jan 2011

One of the joys of making a lifelong commitment to discovering classic films is that, well, it actually does take a lifetime. I pride myself on my Old Hollywood film knowledge, but every now and then something like 'The Awful Truth' comes along and I realise I've been living under a rock for decades.

HOW I missed this glittering jewel for so many years I cannot explain. I'm embarrassed to admit even it. It used to be a regular Sunday night fixture at Melbourne's Astor Theatre, and, invariably, that would be the same Sunday night when I wouldn't go.

More fool me, but thank God I've got over myself. 'The Awful Truth' is probably the most laugh-out-loud 30s screwball comedy I've ever seen - with the possible exception of 'Bringing Up Baby'.

It's just a riot, but the real pleasure of discovery comes from Irene Dunne. Just like the film itself, Irene has somehow escaped me all these years, too. I know her from 'Love Affair', but that's about all.

So much fun now awaits me as I dig up the rest of her work from this era. I adored this film. It's hilarious. The ending seemed a little abrupt, but once I'd thought about afterward, it felt really quite perfect.

Irene's ensembles deserve special mention. We forget that the glamorous 30s produced just as many frock-shocks as every other area. Poor Irene's positively criminal in some of them - all part of the charm.

Apparently, this was also the film that crystalised the Cary Grant persona, too. Prior to this, he (and the studio) had still been tinkering with getting his type right. In this one, he nails it, and whats more, never leaves it for the next three decades.

Well, why would he?