Runtime: 105 minutes
Directed by: Preston Sturges
Starring: Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell, Rudy Vallee, Barbara Lawrence, Kurt Kreuger
From: 20th Century Fox
A dark screwball comedy, and it works? I felt like a change of pace from what I've seen as of late so I went with a film a mutual gave glowing praise to last month and along with a few other Preston Sturges pictures was just added to the Criterion Channel. Ergo, me getting to see something that did live up to expectations.
At first glance, it may sound as funny as a heart attack that the plot consists of a famous aristocratic conductor who hears from a detective his wife is cheating on him so he fantasizes of killing her... but it is not offensive or tasteless, promise. At first it is pretty funny as Rex Harrison is able to deliver rapid-fire dialogue filled with highbrow praises, all w/ aplomb. Then he gets the news from the detective and eventually there is a dark section which shows some serious events. That was necessary in order to set up an amazing final act that plays off of what was shown in the second act.
What great performances from both Harrison and Linda Darnell as the saccharine sweet couple. There's also a nice supporting cast, scenes shot rather well, and naturally there is lovely classical music heard throughout... with a spotlight on Rossini, Wagner, and Tchaikovsky. It was in fact remade in the 80's as a Dudley Moore starring vehicle; that hasn't been seen but I will presume that is not as delightful or as fun as this. The OG movie has acres of great, unforgettable dialogue, quality slapstick, sight gags, and the innate ability to weave in those macabre elements and still have a hysterical comedy. Like with the lead's occupation, Sturges conducted this movie like a maestro. In the future, it is possible I'll do deep dives on the screwball comedy genre, Sturges, Harrison and Darnell.
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