The Lady Eve (1941)

Don't Believe the Hype

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

A big plot hole that spoils the fun. On a ship, Charles (Henry Fonda) might have had trouble checking up on Jean (Barbara Stanwyck) and had to rely on ship's purser. But at the Pike house, as soon as "Lady Eve" and "Sir Alfred" showed up, you would think a rich guy (probably a billionaire by today's wealth) would have been burning up the transatlantic telegraph cable (in spite of WW 2) to check up on the existence and whereabouts of the two. He would have found out in 1-2 days that either they didn't exist, or weren't in U.S. So there would be no question about "Lady Eve" actually being Jean.

The noted Preston Sturges directs a Mockington Hoffe screenplay based on his own story about a stunningly seductive gold-digger Jean(Barbara Stanwyck)and her conniving father 'Colonel' Harrington(Charles Coburn)poised to pounce on and bam-boozle a wealthy socialite Charles(Henry Fonda). Charles is an affable some what naive heir to a brewery fortune. The young man is not wise to certain ways of the world and Jean is trying every which a way to get her clutches on him. The attractive young lady is smitten, but Charles catches on to her plan to trap him. A well written screwball comedy ensues.Stanwyck is outstanding and at her best. Fonda is no slouch either. A timeless classic that also features: Eugene Palette, Martha O'Driscoll, William Demerest, Melvin Cooper and Eric Blore.

The Lady Eve is a magnificent screwball-comedy. I came across this gem of a film when browsing through the earlier half of Henry Fonda's filmography one Sunday morning - and yes, the date and time in which I discovered this film is relevant to my liking of it. It is sweet, charming, hilarious, and offers to legendary stars at their zeniths of attractiveness and acting genius. And yes, again, this film features some of Fonda's and Stanwyck's greatest performances in the genre of comedy - that is undeniable.The scene in which Barbara Stanwyck's character strokes Henry Fonda's character's hair while holding him is one that will end my very existence. Aside from the aesthetically yummy scenes of the movie, including a scene where Henry dons a very handsome white suit, Henry Fonda gives a strong performance. He displays unbelievable charm in his gullible and oh-so-innocent attitude that it's rather hard not to admire and root for Fonda in this film. Especially when one has seen some of his other films, where he portrays less-than-kind Western psychopaths. Barbara Stanwyck also gives an incredible performance - seeing this film, one couldn't possibly think that Stanwyck can ever do wrong.I definitely recommend the viewing of this film - even if it's nothing more than to see Fonda and Stanwyck share phenomenal chemistry.

This is a tale of love and trickery. About coning and redemption . a man who studies snakes on the amazon fall for a beautiful woman on ship back home. She is a hustler who targets him. but even she cannot help who she falls in love with. love is a funny thing it can change people some times for good other times no so much . But in this case it was for good. They bonded instantly as couples do in these old films. Its kind of corny yet charming because thats how things were back then . I was a simpler time.I always like the stereotypical old movie dynamic a guy a love interest something happens that makes the couple break up. There is a break up period and at the end of the film they find their way back to each other . Its Not all realistic but hey its the movies thats why people pay money to go and see them for a little break from reality . This film gives that to the audience.