Watch Sylvia Scarlett

Sylvia Scarlett is a romantic comedy-adventure film from 1935 that stars Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Brian Aherne. Set in the 19th century, the film follows the story of a young woman named Sylvia Scarlett (Hepburn) who, following the death of her father, is forced to dress up as a man and take on a new identity in order to avoid being captured by the authorities. Together with her father, Sylvia had been traveling around Europe as a con artist, swindling money out of wealthy individuals. However, when her father dies, Sylvia is left without a home or a source of income, and she must find a way to survive on her own. Desperate and alone, Sylvia cuts her hair short, dresses in men's clothing, and adopts the name Sylvester Scarlett. She meets a fellow traveler, Jimmy Monkley (Cary Grant), a brash and charming rogue who immediately takes a liking to her. Sensing an opportunity, Sylvia convinces Jimmy to team up with her and her father's former partner, Henry Scarlett (Edmund Gwenn), to carry out a series of heists throughout Europe. As they travel from city to city, Sylvia and Jimmy's relationship becomes more intimate, and she begins to question the decision to continue living as a man. Furthermore, their criminal escapades don't go exactly as planned, and they find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations. Adding to the complications, Harry Landers (Brian Aherne), a handsome artist, enters the picture, and he immediately falls for Sylvia, not realizing that she's actually a woman. Sylvia, too, is drawn to Harry, but feels that she can never reveal her true identity to him. The film is a classic romantic comedy, with several laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue. Hepburn's performance as Sylvia is pitch-perfect, as she convincingly portrays the character's struggles with her gender identity and her growing feelings for both Jimmy and Harry. Grant, meanwhile, delivers his trademark charm and comedic timing to his role as Jimmy, and Aherne shines as the sensitive artist who captures Sylvia's heart. Beyond the romantic plotlines, Sylvia Scarlett is also an adventure film, with a series of exciting heists and chases that keep the plot moving forward. Director George Cukor keeps the action taut and suspenseful, while never losing sight of the film's underlying themes of identity and love. Overall, Sylvia Scarlett is a charming and entertaining film that showcases the talents of its legendary cast. With its mix of romance, adventure, and comedy, it's a classic Hollywood film that has stood the test of time.