It Happened One Night

 

Being a fan of old films, It Happened One Night is one of my favorites. Directed by the renowned Frank Capra, and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, the film came out in 1934 and was the first film to win all of the big five academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. Despite its major success, I feel that not a lot of people know about the film the way they know other old films such as Gone with the Wind and Casablanca which is sad because It Happened One Night is so well done and hilarious.  

 

It Happened One Night is the humorous story of laidback reporter, Peter Warne, and spoiled, rebellious heiress, Ellen "Ellie" Andrews, who meet one night (hence the title) on the bus. Ellie runs away from home when her father attempts to annul her marriage with a fortune seeking man named "King" Westley. She boards the bus to go to New York City to find Westley; meanwhile, reporter, Peter Warne is fired from his job. He sees a "missing persons" ad for Ellie and immediately recognizes her when they both board the same bus. In need of his job back, Peter offers to reunite Ellie with King if she gives him the inside scoop on her life (what it's like to be an heiress). If she refuses, Peter would bring her back to her father. At first, Ellie dislikes Peter's arrogance, but after a chain of events, the two begin to like each other, and eventually, you guessed it, fall in love. I'm not going to tell you how though because you should watch the film. I promise you it's hilarious!

 

Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert both received Academy Awards for their excellent performances. Clark Gable plays a haughty, humorous, and arrogant character while Claudette Colbert plays an independent and sassy, young and spoiled heiress. Together, they're that perfect couple because they don't seem like a likely couple, if you know what I mean. They are an ideal romantic comedy couple. Gable and Colbert's performances are amazing because they have perfect chemistry and work off of each other so well. Another reason why I love this movie is because of the time period. The 1930s, despite the Depression, was an elegant time period where ladies were portrayed to be chic and confident (as exemplified though Ellie in the film) and men were chivalrous and suave (as exemplified through Peter).

 

So overall, if you enjoy romantic screwball comedies with bold characters and a hilarious and unforgettable storyline, this film is for you. Also, below is my favorite scene from the film. Enjoy!