We did a compare and contrast between Capra and Sturges in my screwball comedy class. It was quite informative. The way it was explained was that Capra was this steady glow of fame for decades while Sturges was this firework that blazed for a few years. Sturges was the example of a director who really needs a strong producer to keep him in check. He was never as good once he set out on his own. But for a period of five years there was no better comedy director in Hollywood. His crowning achievement would be Sullivan's Travels which is a movie about move making and the power of laughter. It could also be seen as a jab at Capra because the director in Sullivan's Travels wants to make a picture with a message. And Capra's pictures were always heavy on message.
The one weakness of Travels is the use of a Steppin Fetchit character. It's hard to watch but was derigueur for the time.
Stanwyck was huge in this era moving from screwball comedies to film noir. She's really good in The Lady Eve, another Sturges picture that stars Henry Fonda.
The one weakness of Travels is the use of a Steppin Fetchit character. It's hard to watch but was derigueur for the time.
Stanwyck was huge in this era moving from screwball comedies to film noir. She's really good in The Lady Eve, another Sturges picture that stars Henry Fonda.
As a matter of fact, my anger does keep me warm