Review of The Lady Eve (1941) by Sharon J — 15 Jan 2009

I now get positively gleeful whenever I see barbara stanwyck's name come up in the credits for one of these old films. here she is, before 'double indemnity,' essentially playing her best part all over again - the swindler who uses sex to take control over men, but then falls in love and realizes her true priorities.

I could watch her do it again and again. unfortunately, the film runs out of steam at the 2/3rd mark when it suddenly becomes much more slapstick than it ever was in the first 3rd. the jokes in the script fly, but the physical comedy has clipped wings - it's just not the best role for henry fonda, who feels miscast in the same way that gary cooper isn't quite right for mr.

deeds: a little too stiff. what I found especially interesting is how much this film reminded me of a 'lighter' version of 'vertigo,' playing on the same themes of deception and obsession, placing the lead actress in 'dual' roles, and having the lead male fall in love with her twice.