The Lady Eve

BOY , THEY DO NOT MAKE MOVIES LIKE THIS ANYMORE.WHAT A CLASS LITTLE GEM.COULD NOT TEAR MYSELF AWAY .

SUPERB PERFORMANCES FROM ALL THE CAST AND A SWEET LITTLE STORY.

YOU CAN KEEP ALL YOUR C.G.I. AND 'SHOOT EM UP 'MOVIES OF TODAY.WATCHED IT THEN BOUGHT IT.

LOVE IT.

I enjoyed the rapid-fire dialogue and excellent central performance by Barbara Stanwyck. Henry Fonda is a fine foil for her as a guileless lover. Essentially a romantic comedy with a surprising revelation that raises the film above the average. I would have rated it higher, but for the intrusion of too many unfunny slap-stick scenes that detracted from the overall quality of the film.

Call me a sucker for a black and white romantic comedy, but I do like them! ‘The Lady Eve’ is a great hidden gem that surrounds the rich and naïve Charles, played by Henry Fonda, and the con woman Jean, played by Barbara Stanwyck. Charles falls for Jean, which is part of the plan, but Jean falling for Charles is certainly not. The film only really starts when the truth is uncovered, Jean goes out of her way to become Lady Eve and convince Charles that she is another woman entirely. The second half of the film is a spikier affair as both parties begin to try and out do one another and seek a petty revenge. However, the feelings for one another shine through and the film manages to keep the right balance of comedy to venom.

On the face of it ‘Lady Eve’ makes no real sense as Charles has to be so stupid to fall for the various cons. I am surprised if he could dress himself each morning. However, the witty script and likable performances makes it all worth while. Fonda plays a bit of a stick in the mud, but the various pratfalls he makes means you grow to like him. This is really Stanwyck’s film as she portrays two different characters and even has a passable English accent. The film is flighty and funny, and although not a classic, is still a great example of a frothy 1940s comedy. Fans of the genre will love it.

Like with so many vintage rereleases there are no extras to speak of apart from a trailer. As usual with trailers I advise watching them after the film as they give so much away!

This is a comedy from the golden age of Hollywood, before the invention of the TV box in the corner changed our viewing habits forever. It would be difficult to fault this film. It’s witty, well designed and acted and, for once, director Preston Sturges keeps his penchant for frantic ‘business’ in check. Somehow, this film has a timeless quality that means that it delights in spite of being dated.

Not Preston Sturges' best film (possibly Palm Beach Story) but at least this one doesn't have the annoying Eddie Bracken. The plot is rather ludicrous and all the male characters are idiots but it is a likeable film with good dialogue. Anything Eugene Palette says is always entertaining.