Review of The Lady Eve (1941) by Zachary S — 20 Jun 2008

A romantic comedy in which love is rarely involved. Love, in fact, continues to elude the viewer. Any love in the film is usually based on lies, misconception, and misunderstanding. So it is amazing that this film, which continues to feel peculiarly unique, adopts the stereotypes and formulas of the Hollywood genre yet has its own unique stamp. The more I think about this film the more I feel like it continues to surpass my expectation of the genre. It does it so subtly as well. Sturges' romance somehow works so well without the love that there is nothing else this picture could be but funny.

Henry Fonda is spectacular as the bumbling, innocent, slightly-stupid snake enthusiast. He is able to fully encompass his slapstick, farcical role.