Today’s quick review: It Happened One Night. Ellen Andrews (Claudette Colbert), the daughter of a Wall Street tycoon, escapes her father’s clutches to go marry her sweetheart. All that stands in her way is a cross-country bus trip from Miami to New York. But when the trip proves more difficult than expected, Ellen accepts the help of Pete Warne (Clark Gable), a down-on-his-luck reporter who agrees to help her get to New York in exchange for her story.
It Happened One Night is a classic romantic comedy with an engaging plot and a strong pair of leads. The story follows Ellen Andrews and Pete Warne from their chance meeting to their eventual partnership as Ellen tries to make it to New York. Along the way, they confront thieves, rain, bus troubles, poverty, and every obstacle in between. As the trip wears on, their frosty relationship gradually turns into something resembling love.
It Happened One Night’s most distinctive feature is its pair of headstrong leads. Claudette Colbert stars as Ellen Andrews, a runaway heiress with poor street smarts and a capricious personality. Clark Gable plays opposite her as Pete Warne, a gruff, sarcastic newsman who sees Ellen as his ticket back into his boss’s good graces. Each one is flawed and disagreeable, but together they make an excellent pair who grow over the course of the movie.
However, it can be hit-or-miss. Everything from the humor to the plot to the romance depends on the viewer’s favorable impression of its two leads, and neither one is immediately likable. But as the viewer gets to know them better, their fiery interactions grow more charming and more amusing. The film has a knack for character development, and the many twists and turns of their journey let the film set up a clever, satisfying payoff.
Try It Happened One Night if you’re a fan of classic-style, antagonistic romance. Not everyone will take to Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, but those who do will be treated to a dynamic romance with a well-structured plot. Skip it if you prefer the sweeter variety of romance. For another romantic comedy in a similar vein, try The Philadelphia Story, Roman Holiday, or His Girl Friday.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for two colorful leads and a strong plot.