The Awful Truth Overview:

The Awful Truth (1937) was a Comedy - Romance Film directed by Leo McCarey and produced by Leo McCarey and Everett Riskin.

The film was based on the play of the same name written by Arthur Richman performed at the Henry Miller's Theatre, NY from Sep 18, 1922 - Jan 1923.

SYNOPSIS

In their first on-screen matchup, Grant and Dunne play a divorcing couple bent on mutual ruination. Jerry Warriner returns from a two-week Florida vacation to find his socialite wife, Lucy, has also been away. When she saunters in on the arm of the handsome Armand, Jerry looks the fool in front of society pals. But after discovering that the oranges Jerry has brought from Florida are stamped "California," Lucy realizes that her husband, too, has been up to no good.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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The Awful Truth was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1996.

Academy Awards 1937 --- Ceremony Number 10 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Supporting ActorRalph BellamyNominated
Best ActressIrene DunneNominated
Best DirectorLeo McCareyWon
Best Film EditingAl ClarkNominated
Best PictureColumbiaNominated
Best WritingVina DelmarNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

COMEDY GOLD #5: Sister Act from The Awful Truth (1937)

By Carol Martinheira on May 27, 2018 From The Old Hollywood Garden

COMEDY GOLD #5: Sister Act from The Awful Truth (1937) On May 27, 2018 By CarolIn Uncategorized I think Irene Dunne?s performance in The Awful Truth (1937) is one of the greatest, most nuanced comedic performances of all time and while I could have chosen any scene fro... Read full article


1001 Classic Movies: The Awful Truth

By Amanda Garrett on Feb 5, 2017 From Old Hollywood Films

The Awful Truth (1937) starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, is one of the 1001 classic movies you should see. Each Monday, I'm going to recommend a classic movie you should see (for the reasons behind the 1001 series and reviews of earlier films covered go here). February's theme is the leading l... Read full article


Review: The Awful Truth (1937)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Sep 21, 2016 From 4 Star Films

The Awful Truth came out of a trend that was in vogue during the 1930s. It’s called a comedy of “remarriage.” During the Hays Code era, it allowed films to nimbly skirt the whole issue of divorce and extramarital romance. We would see it again in the more remembered screwball His G... Read full article


Review: The Awful Truth (1937)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Sep 21, 2016 From 4 Star Films

The Awful Truth came out of a trend that was in vogue during the 1930s. It’s called a comedy of “remarriage.” During the Hays Code era, it allowed films to nimbly skirt the whole issue of divorce and extramarital romance. We would see it again in the more remembered screwball His G... Read full article


o/t: The Awful Truth (1937)

By John Grant on Jul 8, 2014 From Noirish

== One of the delights about contributing a few essays to the Wonders in the Dark Romantic Movie Countdown is that in a couple of instances I’ve been pushed well outside my comfort zone. Nowhere is this more true than with the screwball comedy The Awful Truth. I mean, this is me: I don’t... Read full article


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Quotes from

Lucy Warriner: You're all confused, aren't you?
Jerry Warriner: Aren't you?
Lucy Warriner: No.
Jerry Warriner: Well you should be, because you're wrong about things being different because they're not the same. Things are different except in a different way. You're still the same, only I've been a fool... but I'm not now.
Lucy Warriner: Oh.
Jerry Warriner: So long as I'm different don't you thing that... well maybe things could be the same again... only a little different, huh?


Jerry Warriner: [to Barbara Vance on the phone] Naturally she's anxious to meet you, too, but...
Lucy Warriner: Yes, tell her I'd love to meet her. Tell her to wear boxing gloves.


[first lines]
Jerry Warriner: Come on, Haig, get that sun lamp ready.


read more quotes from The Awful Truth...

Facts about

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on September 11, 1939 with Cary Grant reprising his film role.
First of three movies that paired Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.
Tay Garnett turned down an offer to direct the movie.
read more facts about The Awful Truth...
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Best Director Oscar 1937






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National Film Registry

The Awful Truth

Released 1937
Inducted 1996
(Sound)




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Also directed by Leo McCarey




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Also produced by Leo McCarey




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