The Lady Eve (1941) ****1/2
There are so many things to appreciate about Preston Sturges' 1941 master-farce The Lady Eve. Whether it’s Barbara Stanwyck's range or her sultry sex appeal, Henry Fonda's goofy oblivious charm or his handsome mug, Sturges' dialogue—both razor-sharp and poetically romantic. Maybe it's Stanwyck's strong female lead, always in control but never heartless—and unlike the norm in most screwball comedies, she never concedes, even in the film's final moments.
Or perhaps it's Fonda's ability to balance being a dopey lovesick while performing pratfalls to perfection. Even the supporting cast is consummate—each player feels lived into their role—you can't really go wrong with Sturges writing for and directing actors like Charles Coburn, Eugene Pallette and William Demarest.
Indeed, TLE is a hilarious, heartfelt tale of love, bitterness and revenge, and it has aged incredibly well. It's the type of film that stamps a smile on your face for virtually the entirety of its runtime.
You can find my Classic Screwball Comedies Ranked list here.
Or perhaps it's Fonda's ability to balance being a dopey lovesick while performing pratfalls to perfection. Even the supporting cast is consummate—each player feels lived into their role—you can't really go wrong with Sturges writing for and directing actors like Charles Coburn, Eugene Pallette and William Demarest.
Indeed, TLE is a hilarious, heartfelt tale of love, bitterness and revenge, and it has aged incredibly well. It's the type of film that stamps a smile on your face for virtually the entirety of its runtime.
You can find my Classic Screwball Comedies Ranked list here.
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