Review of Twentieth Century (1934) by Eric F — 17 Aug 2009

"Twentieth Century" is a perfect example of a depression era screwball comedy, directed by the man who would become known as one of the first masters of the genre. Howard Hawks, who went on to direct one of the quintessential comedies of the 40's in "His Girl Friday", made this picture in 1934 after successes including the likes of the original "Scarface" in 1932. It's Hawks' first comedy from the sound era, and his career to follow would display his impressive versatility by working on films of all genres. It was the frantic pacing and absurd humor on display in "Twentieth Century" that cemented it as one of the building blocks for the sound era screwball comedy genre.

The story was first adapted into a play by Charles Bruce Milholland, based on his experiences with an eccentric Broadway producer. Although it would never be produced, stage and screenwriters Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht adapted Milholland's story into an incredibly sharp farce that became a success on both stage and screen. In the starring role is the delightful John Barrymore, the grandfather of Drew.

Oscar Jaffe (John Barrymore) is an eccentric and egomaniacal theater director. His latest discovery is a lingerie model, Mildred Plotka (Carole Lombard), whom he repackages as Lily Garland and leads to great success as a stage star. However, when Jaffe goes as far as tapping Garland's telephone to keep a watchful eye, Garland has enough and leaves for Hollywood. She is an instant success story, whereas Jaffe is left behind in the dust.

The "Twentieth Century" of the title refers to the train in which the majority of the film takes place. Jaffe, alongside his business manager (Walter Connolly) and agent (Roscoe Karns), board the Twentieth Century Limited to avoid his creditors. Lily Garland, coincidentally, happens to be aboard the exact same train. Oscar uses the opportunity to win back his old star.

Also aboard the train is one of the most memorable characters in the film, Matthew J. Clark (Etienne Girardot), who litters everything he can get his hands on with fliers reading "Repent for the time is at hand". Unbeknownced to Jaffe, Clark has escaped from an asylum - which certainly puts a damper on Jaffe's high spirits after receiving a check for about a quarter of a million dollars from Clark.

John Barrymore is a delight - vibrant and completely full of life. He's playing a cartoon, a character so exaggerated that it takes a great performer to not succumb into complete buffoonery. Barrymore is a buffoon, alright, but there's a certain sureness about everything he does that leaves you buying every last phony excuse he makes. Although the film becomes a bit tiresome in it's final act, it's still an enormously enjoyable comedy that holds up fairly well 75 years later.