The Awful Truth



"'Dan' Leeson: Are you sure you don't like that fella? Lucy Warriner: Like him? You saw the way I treated him, didn't you? 'Dan' Leeson: That's what I mean. Back on my ranch, I got a little red rooster and a little brown hen and they fight all the time too, but every once in a while they make up again and they're right friendly."

Released in 1937, this is the third film version of a play by Arthur Richman. It stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant as Lucy and Jerry Warriner, a divorcing couple who go to great lengths to interfere in each others' love lives. Nominated for six Oscars, only one of which it won (Best Director for Leo McCarey). Placed in the National Film Registry.


 * Belligerent Sexual Tension: Between Lucy and Jerry for 95% of the film.
 * Comedy of Remarriage: Except that the couple is divorced.
 * Disposable Fiance: Two of them.
 * Formally-Named Pet
 * Green-Eyed Monster: Everyone seems to fall victim at some point.
 * Love Epiphany: Lucy has one.
 * Loyal Animal Companion: Mr. Smith.
 * Malicious Slander: From Mama Leeson.
 * Marilyn Maneuver: The basis of a nightclub act.
 * Not What It Looks Like: Over and over again.
 * Playing Drunk: Lucy.
 * Sexy Discretion Shot: The film's final fade-out.
 * Upper Class Twit: The Vances.
 * Vehicular Sabotage: Lucy engages in some.
 * When the Clock Strikes Twelve: The divorce decree becomes final at midnight.
 * Where Were You Last Night?: Jerry expects to find Lucy home when he returns. She's not. It all goes downhill from there.