The Awful Truth (1937)

Such a frustrating disappointment

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Cary Grant and Irene Dunne play a married couple who divorce due to (mostly) mutual misguided suspicions of infidelity. As the divorce proceeds, both hook up with other romantic partners, and each does their best to sabotage the other's relationship. This is one of the best screwball comedies and a perfect example of the comedy of remarriage, a genre created to largely tell slightly racy comedic stories while not running afoul of the Production Code. Grant and Dunne have incredible screen chemistry and both are at the top of their game here. Ralph Bellamy co-stars as a fairly dumb suitor ... a role he seems to have been born to play over and over again ... and there's a good reason for that. The scene where he dances a ridiculously elaborate dance with Dunne while Grant looks on is one of the funniest sequences committed to film.

Irene Dunne is wonderful in "The Awful Truth" an actress largely forgotten today I beg movie lovers to watch this movie (and others she has dunne-ha ha) and maybe together we can resurrect her formidable career! I don't waste time on plot, lets talk about the highlights in this achingly funny film: Irene being tickled by Cary, Irene being forced to dance with oaf Ralph Bellamy, Irene passing herself off as Cary's trashy sister and singing the mildly risqué song "My dreams have gone with The Wind". Irene Dunne was delightful, delectable, dynamite and most important durable. She lasts! She sang superbly, acted effortlessly and danced with precision and panache. One of AFI's 25 greatest female stars lets affirm her legacy and make her viable again! Here are some of her other films I have seen: "Show Boat", "Roberta", "My Favorite Wife", "Love Affair". Musical, comedy, drama, heck she even tackled westerns ("Cimarron"). C'mon people! Make the next film you watch an Irene Dunne vehicle! This is Daniel at the movies. Till we meet again don't know where don't know when.

In general, Cary Grant comedies are not my favorites, and this offering is thus far my least favorite. Even the later "My Favorite Wife", despite it's plot problems, was a pleasure to watch compared to this turkey.During parts of the film, costar Irene Dunn reminded me in hair style, speech and mannerisms of Katharine Hepburn, say in "Bringing Up Baby", released the following year. The humor in that Grant film was miles more effective. Not sure if the title is supposed to relate to the plot? Is the point that there was no awful truth to be discovered, thus wrongly leading to the divorce. Never understood why it was so important for Cary's character to lie about going to Florida? The hint is that he went to California. Why? This only relates to the rest of the film in providing some reason for Dunn's character to wonder about his fidelity, eventually leading to divorce.

It's nice to see an entertaining love story. A story that is spontaneous, simple and hilarious. THE AWFUL TRUTH is that kind of movie. am delighted by the fact that improvisation of dialogue is so original and funny.In the film, everything seems cheerful and clever, although the topic should not be like that. The moments in which the main characters get serious are rare. The technique is great because I do not remember that someone dared so to force a dialogue. If the revolution dialogue add great improvisation result in this case is excellent. I do not think that this film is a completely sheer comedy. There are contained travesty and mockery, supposed game of movement and language.I'm pretty sure that this movie eagerly embraced today's audience. Thematic would be interesting, but this dose immaturity character would only heightened the effect. I do not think they would have caught the stomach from laughing, but they would certainly enjoy. Set design is not perfect, but at times I was amazed. The acting is phenomenal.Love triangle Grant, Dunne and Bellamy acts hilarious. Cary Grant as Jerry Warriner is sarcastic without being nasty, debonair but not aloof. Grant is a sophisticated comedian. Every line is a cheeky poke. Irene Dunne as Lucy Warriner is funny, glamorous, hoyden and mischievous at the same time. She dominated the competition at a crucial moment. The second part of the film is rightfully hers. Ralph Bellamy (Dan Leeson) was from the beginning an absolute outsider. Jerry in every scene separated him into prime factors. Cecil Cunningham as Aunt Patsy is responsible for the sarcastic tone. Every time in the right moment.The Awful Truth is smart and witty comedy. The famous dialogue with lots of humor and sophisticated situations. McCarey made a great movie.