“The Lady Eve”

Theatrical poster for “The Lady Eve” (Paramount, 1941)

“The Lady Eve” (Paramount, 1941). A serial gold digger (played by Barbara Stanwyck) falls hard for one her victims, a sincere but naive heir to a family fortune (played by Henry Fonda). When the greedy scheme is revealed and the couple breaks up, Barbara Stanwyck’s character has a few other tricks up her sleeve to get her man. This romantic screwball comedy is great in every way. Based on a story by Monckton Hoffe. Written and directed by Preston Sturges. “Positively the same dame!”

Comedy Film Festival 2012: “Ball of Fire”

Cary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck and the “professors” in “Ball of Fire” (Samuel Goldwyn, 1941)

“Ball of Fire” (Samuel Goldwyn, 1941). Eight professors who are ensconced in a New York City mansion writing an enclycopedia get caught up with the girlfriend of a local mobster and hilarity (truly) ensues. Get ready to learn some slang from the 1930s-1940s, too. A classic screwball comedy with a sweet love story to boot. Led by the great Gary Cooper and Barbara Syanwyck, the cast delivers on the delightful script written by Charles Bracett and Billy Wilder. Directed by Howard Hawks. “Before you go, would you, uh…would you yum me just once more?!”