Reviews

This film, so long ignored by most critics and viewers alike, deserves a fresh look and those who watch it will be in for a treat. The film is surprisingly modern, with pre-marital sex (off-screen of course but hardly your usual Irene Dunne behavior!) and a gone-wild girl marrying on the "rebound." Gregory LeCava is nothing less than a fascinating director and he certainly delivers with this forgotten gem. Dunne is in her usual great actress category while the story never goes sentimental. In fact, the ending is something of a shock with no pretensions of a happy conclusion. Catch this one!

I'm glad I'm not the only one to pan this over-glossy remake of one of the finest pre-war romance/dramas ever made. The trouble is that almost to a man, all those who rave about this version have NEVER seen the original. Perhaps if I hadn't seen the 1939 version immediately prior to this one I might have been a little more generous. As it is, I think Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant in this movie seem merely play-acting, simply going thru the motions of being "movie stars." There is not a drop of REAL emotion or feeling in either - at least if you watch Dunne and Boyer. It's sad that Dunne (who was nominated for an academy award for her performance as well as the film itself) has not yet achieved the recognition she so justly deserves. Not only is she a consummate actress who ranks among the most versatile of all Hollywood stars, she SINGS beautifully and knocks you for a loop with her rendition of "Sing my Heart" in this film (a fact hardly mentioned in any of the reviews!). Her stock has been so forgotten that at least one reviewer writes that it is Cary Grant - her co-star in Awful Truth - who "pulls off" that particular film; perhaps he was unawares that SHE was nominated for an Oscar in that film as well. No, it is Irene who makes "Awful Truth" more than a gem; the same here. Good taste and judgement both seem to be vanishing like good weather these days. And Grant for all his charm and (perhaps over-rated) popularity, is simply not in the same league as Boyer, one of the finest of all actors during this era. Boyer brings tears to the eyes in the film's finale. Grant simply "acts." No my friends (or enemies, considering how much this review will bring on the ire of its not inconsiderable fans), this film is a dud, at least when compared to the life-like and spontaneous interactions of the main characters in the original. It is also to be regretted that, until this year, the 1937 original was available only in poor quality versions, probably another reason why it has been neglected. Happily, one can now see it in Blu-ray on the Lobster label. "Affair" a great movie??? NEVER! Vive "Love Affair!!!!!"

I was expecting something much more interesting. I knew it was a better film then "Bringing Up Baby" and it is but next to "Awful Truth" this is a dud. And that film gets only a 7.7 while this one a 7.8. I really think you guys don't know a great film when you see one. Irene Dunne is by far a better actress and any film of hers is worth watching. Sorry folks.

I have just seen this movie a second time and am more convinced than ever that it is one of the finest films of its type. It is probably neglected because it was initially overshadowed by other films during its time. Yet I predict that one day it will be "rediscovered" and get its due. Under-rated, in my opinion, this film should be seen be everyone. The acting is so good that their work seems just an extension of their real-life personae. The script is never clichéd, which can easily happen in films of this type. And the direction is terse and powerful. I cannot find fault with this unknown masterpiece and hope especially Linus Roache will get the recognition he deserves for one of the most moving performances ever filmed.

Theodora Goes Wild is perhaps the greatest sleeper in film history. When other comedies such as Midnight, Lady Eve, It Happened One Night, and especially the over-rated Bringing Up Baby are touted with 4 star ratings, this relatively unknown gem sweeps them all away in its irresistible path. One of the finest comedies ever filmed, this is a masterpiece in every way. The direction is superb, the writing sparkles with a wit that time has not dimmed. But the frosting on its cake is the comic genius of Irene Dunne, one of Hollywood's most underrated actresses. This, her first real comedy, is an object lesson to any aspiring comedienne, so perfect is her timing and delivery of virtually every line. This film should be studied by every student in the field of film and enjoyed by countless others who have never even heard of it. It's too bad that Irene Dunne is not given the credit she truly deserves. My bet is that in 50 years she will be considered perhaps the finest Hollywood actress of her time. If you think I'm joking, just watch her in Back Street, Love Affair (much better in my opinion than its more popular remake Affair To Remember), Show Boat, I Remember Mama, this film, The Awful Truth, A Guy Named Joe, Anna and The King of Siam, Life With Father, Ann Vickers........

This little-known comedy from the hit play by Ruth Gordon is a delight. The script, based on the play, is spicy, rich, and completely undated. Ditto the cast but I must underline the work of the leading lady,Irene Dunne. Irene is simply superb - as usual - and lights up the screen with every frame she's in (and she's in it a lot, thank heaven). In addition, director Vidor has given her some unusual close-ups that are mesmerizing. What a gal! I know of no other Hollywood actress from any era who has her versatility and is so convincing in every film. Why she remains so little known is a mystery. I have seen most of her films and this one was a surprise, even for a solid ID fan like myself. See it, everyone!