Awful Truth, The

Watch Awful Truth, The

  • 1937
  • 1 hr 30 min

The Awful Truth is a classic screwball comedy as well as one of the quintessential romantic comedies of Hollywood's golden age. The film stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant in the lead roles. The plot of the movie revolves around Lucy (Irene Dunne) and Jerry (Cary Grant) Warriner, a happily married couple. However, their seeming bliss is shaken when Jerry returns from a trip to Florida and Lucy wrongly suspects him of having an affair with his co-worker, Barbara Vance (Molly Lamont). In order to save their marriage, the couple decides to divorce, but before their divorce is final, they indulge in various antics to sabotage each other's love interests while trying to reignite their own spark.

The performances by Irene Dunne and Cary Grant are absolutely delightful. The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable and both of them bring a brilliant level of energy and comic timing to their roles. Irene Dunne is particularly impressive in her portrayal of Lucy, an eccentric and free-spirited woman who is often fueled by her emotions. As the movie progresses, she becomes increasingly unpredictable and it is a treat to watch her transform from a woman scorned to a woman willing to do anything to get her man back.

Cary Grant, on the other hand, plays Jerry with a perfect mix of charm and aloofness. He has a natural ease and effortless style that makes him an ideal leading man in this type of movie. The banter between the two actors is some of the best in cinema history and it is easy to see why they went on to star in four more films together.

The film is successful due to its clever script and quick-witted dialogue, written by Viña Delmar. The situations and misunderstandings that Lucy and Jerry find themselves in are both hilarious and absurd. From a jealous Lucy pretending to be Jerry's sister to Jerry suggesting a single room honeymoon to annoy Lucy's new fiancée, the couple's shenanigans are a constant source of merriment.

The film also boasts a strong supporting cast. Ralph Bellamy plays Daniel Leeson, Lucy's new fiancé, and provides perfect counterbalance to Grant's Jerry with his likeable goofiness. Molly Lamont also delivers a memorable performance as Barbara, Jerry's colleague and Lucy's would-be rival.

The Awful Truth was directed by the master of the romantic comedy genre, Leo McCarey. He demonstrates his proficiency by allowing the camera to linger on the actors’ faces during moments of silence, making the moment more intimate and sincere.

The film's score, composed by Roy Webb, also deserves special mention. It creates the perfect light and breezy mood that complements the film's comedic tone.

In conclusion, The Awful Truth is a romantic comedy classic that has aged remarkably well over the years. The film is an essential viewing for anyone interested in the golden age of Hollywood, comedy, or romance movies. The film's sparkling performances, witty script, and brilliant direction make it a true gem of the genre. With The Awful Truth, Dunne and Grant created one of the most iconic on-screen duos in history that still remains popular in 21st-century pop culture.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1937
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min