Released 1934
American
Black & white
105 min run time
Directed by Frank Capra
Starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert
(watched via Netflix streaming)
The Plot Basically Breaks Down Like This:
Claudette Colbert is beautiful and independent and awesome and wants to marry this guy that her rich oppressive father doesn't want her too, so she runs away to marry the guy anyways. Clark Gable is this snarky and handsome and almost-but-not-quite-really sleazy reporter who tracks Claudette down to get the inside scoop on the story. Funny things happen and the two main characters start to fall for each other (as happens in these kinds of films) and eventually it comes down to a will-they-or-won't-they kind of scenario with you rooting for Clark Gable even though you know he might not really be the best thing for Claudette.
My Thoughts Break Down Like This:
Clark Gable is kinda dreamy. If I was a chick back in the 1930s and thereabouts going to the Big Picture Show, I'd be all about him as my film star fantasy boyfriend. I think its his ability to pull off the snark without seeming mean spirited about it. He knows that life is just one big joke and he's decided to be in on it instead of taking anything too terribly seriously. And that twinkle in his eye and hitch to his slightly sarcastic smile work beautifully against Claudette Colbert's brilliant quickness. She isn't perky, she's too sharp and sultry for that, but she is still adorable (I'm not entirely sure how that works but just go with me on it). She and Clark Gable trade dialogue back and forth like elite tennis players. Its so exciting to watch you almost find yourself wanting to clap when one obviously "scores" on the other one. Its also fascinating to watch a romantic comedy from back in the day when romantic comedies weren't necessarily their own genre yet. When the adventures and obstacles a couple experienced on their way to happily ever after were still new and unique.
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