The Awful Truth

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The Awful Truth

1937,

1h 30m,

Comedy/

Romance

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Watchlist

Watchlist

93%

30 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

5,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

30 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Jerry (Cary Grant) and Lucy (Irene Dunne) are a married couple who doubt each other's fidelity: Jerry suspects Lucy and her music teacher (Alexander D'Arcy) of spending an evening together, and Lucy is convinced Jerry lied about a business trip. When the jealous pair file for divorce, both rush into new relationships, but quickly realize their love never died. The soon-to-be-divorced husband and wife then both scramble to spoil each other's chances for newfound romance.

Critics Consensus

Great comic direction by Leo McCarrey and memorable onscreen chemistry from stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne make this screwball comedy a charmer.

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Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

May 7, 2024

It is quite grown up, and even the hotter passions are endured with consideration and suavity; at the same time it has an innocent zest for the homely that makes you think back to Capra again.

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Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune

Apr 12, 2018

This is Grant's first truly remarkable performance, morphing a romantic leading man into a suave, impish clown.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

May 27, 2008

Leo McCarey's largely improvised 1937 film is one of the funniest of the screwball comedies, and also one of the most serious at heart.

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Sue Heal

Radio Times

May 30, 2024

5/5

This is a wonderful example of Cary Grant at his screwball comic best, playing one half of a sniping, divorcing couple who trade insults like gunfire and seek to spoil each other's future plans.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Jul 24, 2020

9/10

It's so outrageously funny that the bitterness never sets in, marking this as one of the most lighthearted bouts of mudslinging in screwball comedy history.

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Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

Jul 19, 2019

A wonderfully smooth blend of lively acting, bright dialogue, witty direction and hearty slapstick.

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Jan 26, 2019

The best, GREATEST romcom movie ever made!

Draco M

Jan 20, 2019

Great comedy staring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. Skippy the dog, known for playing Asta in the Thin Man movies, plays Mr. Smith, who is the reason Grant and Dunne are still seeing each other.

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Poe R

Sep 8, 2018

Fantastic and hilarious screwball comedy. Still laugh-out-loud funny after all these years.

Draco W

Jul 1, 2018

A classic comedy with Oscar winning direction from Leo McCarrey. After watching Cary Grant and Irene Dunne in two of the best comedic performances ever on film, it is impossible to understand why neither of them ever won an Oscar. #AcademyComedy Matters

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Abraham R

May 17, 2018

its a pretty good movie

Hagrid P

Apr 21, 2018

It was a movie that I forgot for a long time, but it was a succession of laughter after seeing it again. Cary Grant 's fancy lightness, Irene - Dan' s crispy acting that can not be said to be attractive anyway. The sound of a fight and the dog of the scenes that the two men set!

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Leo McCarey

Director

Irene Dunne

Lucy Warriner

Cary Grant

Jerry Warriner

Ralph Bellamy

Daniel "Dan" Leeson

Alex D'Arcy

Armand Duvalle

Cecil Cunningham

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Synopsis

Jerry (Cary Grant) and Lucy (Irene Dunne) are a married couple who doubt each other's fidelity: Jerry suspects Lucy and her music teacher (Alexander D'Arcy) of spending an evening together, and Lucy is convinced Jerry lied about a business trip. When the jealous pair file for divorce, both rush into new relationships, but quickly realize their love never died. The soon-to-be-divorced husband and wife then both scramble to spoil each other's chances for newfound romance.

Director: Leo McCarey
Producer: Leo McCarey
Screenwriter: Viña Delmar, Arthur Richman, Sidney Buchman
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 21, 1937, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 1h 30m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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