It Happened One Night (1934)
Not Rated
Starring: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, Jameson Thomas
Directed by Frank Capra
The Story:
Spoiled heiress Ellie (Colbert) has secretly wed King Westley (Thomas) much to her father's (Connolly) chagrin. As he spirits her away aboard his yacht, she jumps ship and disappears. Soon she winds up in the sights of fired newspaper reporter Peter Warne (Gable). He offers his help in return for breaking the story of the century.
Turn back the clock 80 some odd years.
While there were other films before it, cinematic history was fine tuned/perfected with this release.
It's the formula for the screwball comedy.
It's the formula for the romantic comedy.
It's the formula for the road trip comedy.
It would go on to sweep the Oscars that year becoming the first film to win Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Picture.
Sadly, they don't make comedies like that anymore, or if they do, the Academy for whatever reason, doesn't like to reward comedies with any award nominations period.
However, just because the Academy liked it, does that mean it's really any good?
The short answer is yes!
The writing is crisp and fun and the chemistry between Gable and Colbert is everything you hope for between romantic leads.
Naturally the hate/love relationship is one you can see coming from a mile away... now...
But in 1934? Maybe not so much.
If you lament the fact that Hollywood has grown stale with ideas, remember, much like a public library has a lot of books (and movies!) to offer, so too does Hollywood.
This is not my first Capra rodeo, and his direction fits this story like a glove. The story unfolds and you become invested with Capra's characters as you get caught up in their story.
It is however, my first foray into the film catalog of Clark Gable.
That's right, I've never watched Gone With The Wind, to name but one of his many accomplishments.
His range in this film is spectacular. He's a comedic actor one moment, a hapless romantic the next and then in the blink of an eye, he becomes a classic heavy. He's given a lot to do, and he pulls it off effortlessly.
So the bottom line, if you've never seen it, the next time you're adding stuff to watch on Netflix (not the streaming portion) feel free to add it.
I don't think you'll be disappointed.
