Cast
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Irene Dunne
as Lucy Warriner
Cary Grant
as Jerry Warriner
Ralph Bellamy
as Dan Leeson
Alexander D'Arcy
as Armand Duvalle
Cecil Cunningham
as Aunt Patsy
Molly Lamont
as Barbara Vance
Esther Dale
as Mrs. Leeson
Joyce Compton
as Dixie Belle Lee
Robert Allen
as Frank Randall
Robert Warwick
as Mr. Vance
Mary Forbes
as Mrs. Vance
Claud Allister
as Lord Fabian (uncredited)
Al Bridge
as Motor Cop (uncredited)
Edgar Dearing
as Motor Cop (uncredited)
Wyn Cahoon
as Mrs. Barnsley (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Leo McCarey
Producer
- Leo McCarey
Reviews
John Chard
The rooster and the hen!
Lucy & Jerry Warriner strain their marriage by suspecting each other of cheating, so much so, a day in court leaves them with a 90 day prelude to a divorce. Sure enough, though, love never quite runs as expected, and can indeed be a truly complex thing, especially when the other parties involved are human, a cheeky cat, and a rather smart and astute canine!
The Awful Truth is tagged as part of the wonderful genre that encompasses the screwball comedy, and although to a degree that genre placement is true, I do believe that those not particularly fond of the high octane scattergun comedies from the genre, will certainly find this offering far more appealing with its pacing and lighthearted production values.
The Awful Truth began life as a stage play in the early 20s, and was then adapted to film twice previously in 1925 & 1929, but here for the 1937 version, director Leo McCarey (Academy Award winner Best Director) improves the story big time with sharp witty dialogue and an appreciative knack for letting his actors improvise at free will in the name of comedy. Taking the lead roles of the Warriner's is Cary Grant & Irene Dunne, and it's a great pairing as they positively bounce of each other with almost carefree abandon. Adding greatly to the frivolity is Ralph Bellamy as tone death country bumpkin love interest Daniel, Alex D'Arcy as the suave but naive Armand, and Cecil Cunningham as the wry Aunt Patsy. It's a seamless enjoyable romp containing many laugh out loud sequences, and as much as the outcome my never be in doubt, the ending is still a joy to behold. Even if the cat and the clock invariably steal the show!
Wonderful and highly recommended. 9/10
Sep 6, 2014
Thematic Analysis
The Awful Truth represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Leo McCarey brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1937, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Awful Truth took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.6 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1630 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1937, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Awful Truth shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Romancing the Stone, which focuses more on action than character development, The Awful Truth subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Click and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids explore similar territory, The Awful Truth stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 21, 1937
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Budget: $600,000
- Revenue: $3,000,000
