 |
A picture of an orange, you say. Big deal! What does that have to do with the plot? Plenty, using the Dan B's line of reasoning. Faces? Places? We don't need no stinking faces or places. Identifying the context behind a prop is the real challenge. First, it's a California navel orange. The gift giver told his wife he had been in Florida. He was really having fun in Manhattan, and on the day he was to meet his wife, he got a quick sun tan at an athletic club. Now, his wife's behavior hasn't exactly been circumspect either. She spent the night with her vocal instructor, a rather schmoozey, continental lady's man. But wait, there's more. Divorce proceedings begin, and the plot becomes even more madcap, screwball, and delirious. There's even a battle over who gets custody of their dog, Mr. Smith, a terrier played by Asta. One of the best comedies of its type, this film was directed by Leo McCarey, and starred Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. You do recognize Irene's well-manicured fingers, don't you? Give up? The title in reverse is: hturT lufwA ehT Notes: A very fine book on classic screwball comedies is William K. Everson's Hollywood Bedlam. Dan has done a number of excellent screwball comedies, including Arsenic and Old Lace, To Be or Not to Be, The Lady Eve, etc. Can't wait for him to do My Man Godfrey, Nothing Sacred, Topper and countless other films. |