Edward G. Robinson was a fine comic actor, but he did not get many opportunities to show it. In his two best known comedies, Talk of the Town and Brother Orchid, he is cast as comic versions of the gangster boss persona he made famous in Little Caesar. His acting is great, but the rolesContinue reading “Mr. Winkle Goes to War (1944)”
Monthly Archives: April 2020
The Lady Eve (1941)
The Lady Eve is the Sistine Chapel of screwball comedies. A lot has been written about it, but somehow it eludes analysis. When I taught courses on film comedy, I’d warn my students: don’t ever think you’re smarter than Preston Sturges, don’t ever think to yourself “I’ve got this all figured out.” On a thirdContinue reading “The Lady Eve (1941)”
The Awful Truth (1937)
Many film historians feel that The Awful Truth is the first true screwball comedy. I’m not sure about that, or even if it matters, but it is a very special comedy. It was directed and basically constructed on the set by Leo McCarey, one of the giants of Hollywood comic film, and the star actors,Continue reading “The Awful Truth (1937)”