Screwball comedy and The Awful Truth (1937)

<p>A married couple divorces over mutual suspicion of infidelity - but the two can't seem to leave each other alone, hilariously interfering with one another's attempts to find someone else. This is the plot of <em>The Awful Truth,</em> a classic "comedy of remarriage" by Catholic director Leo McCarey (The Bells of St. Mary's, Duck Soup), featuring brilliant improvisational performances by Cary Grant and Irene Dunne (also Catholic).</p> <p>Thematically, the film shows (in a lighthearted way) the maturation of a marriage. It is also notable for its joyously frank yet appropriately veiled treatment of marital eros - an artistic triumph spurred by the salutary censorship of Hollywood's Production Code.</p> <p><em>The Awful</em> <em>Truth </em>is an outstanding example of screwball comedy, a highly entertaining genre that flourished in Hollywood from the mid-1930s to the early 40s, usually featuring super-fast and witty dialogue, absurd scenarios, and a battle of the sexes. </p> <p>Guest host Nathan Douglas joins to discuss the film.</p> <p><strong>Links</strong></p> <p>Irene Dunne on her faith <a href= "https://www.guideposts.org/better-living/entertainment/movies-and-tv/guideposts-classics-irene-dunne-on-her-faith-journey"> https://www.guideposts.org/better-living/entertainment/movies-and-tv/guideposts-classics-irene-dunne-on-her-faith-journey</a></p> <p>Essay about Leo McCarey <a href= "https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2002/great-directors/mccarey/?utm_source=pocket_mylist"> https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2002/great-directors/mccarey/</a></p> <p>Nathan Douglas <a href= "https://nwdouglas.com/about">https://nwdouglas.com/about</a></p> <p>Music is The Duskwhales, “Take It Back”, used with permission. <a href= "https://theduskwhales.bandcamp.com/">https://theduskwhales.bandcamp.com/</a></p> <p>This podcast is a production of CatholicCulture.org. If you like the show, please consider supporting us! <a href= "http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio">http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio</a></p>