Review of The Lady Eve (1941) by Laura F — 04 Jan 2008
It's extremely difficult for me to choose my favorite Barbara Stanwyck movie so far, but this one is it -- so far. In addition to being a knockout beauty, Stanwyck has got to be one of the most talented actresses I've ever seen.
This is an excellent comedy in the screwball romance tradition, and I'm not sure many people would think of pairing Stanwyck and comedy as readily as they would associate her with drama -- intensely wrought dramatic films such as Double Indemnity.
She has it all covered, however, and for sure three things stand out across the board: 1. Stanwyck has great timing and great delivery of lines, whether comic or dramatic. 2. She can use her body, all of it, with great expertise, to work her scenes.
3. Even without speaking a word, her face can express a huge range of emotion and thought. Definitely one of the most cerebral actors I've ever seen. She's as camera-savvy as Irene Dunne and Kate Winslet.
My only regret is that I never saw her bigger than life at a theater. Big points for Henry Fonda in this one as well. I think he may actually be as good in comic as he is in dramatic roles.
This review of The Lady Eve (1941) was written by Laura F on 04 Jan 2008.
The Lady Eve has generally received very positive reviews.
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