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: I remember the first drink we ever had together. You, in your very best manner, said, "It must be champagne!" And then you offered a toast. Remember?
Jerry Warriner: No, I don't.
Lucy Warriner: Well, being a woman I do. You said... this'll hand you a laugh. You said, "Lend an ear, I implore you, this comes from my heart: I'll always adore you, 'til death do us part." Remember? It was pretty swell... I mean, while it lasted. But all beautiful things must end, so I guess we might as well call it a day.


Jerry Warriner: I wish Lucy would go out and get some fun for herself now and again. It would do her good. That's the trouble with most marriages today. People are always imagining things. The road to Reno is paved with suspicions. And the first thing you know, they all end up in a divorce court.


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?


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Facts about

"The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on March 17, 1940 with Ralph Bellamy reprising his film role.
Previously made twice, first as a silent film - The Awful Truth, and then as an early talking film - The Awful Truth. Later remade by Columbia Pictures as Let's Do It Again with Jane Wyman and Ray Milland.
Cary Grant was so convinced this film was not working, he begged to released during production. The film turned out to be a big hit.
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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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