Watch The Awful Truth

The Awful Truth is a romantic comedy from 1937, directed by Leo McCarey and starring Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, and Ralph Bellamy. The film follows the story of Jerry and Lucy Warriner (played by Grant and Dunne), a couple who have been married for several years but whose relationship has hit a rough patch. The couple decides to go their separate ways, but in doing so, they become involved in a series of misunderstandings and mishaps that complicate their attempts to move on with their lives.

The film starts with Jerry and Lucy both filing for divorce after Jerry accuses Lucy of infidelity. While both agree that their marriage is over, they disagree on the terms of their separation, and this leads to a series of legal battles between their lawyers (played by the hilarious Edgar Kennedy and Cecil Cunningham). Meanwhile, Jerry and Lucy each try to move on with their lives, but their attempts are thwarted by a string of misunderstandings and coincidences that keep bringing them back together.

As the film progresses, Jerry and Lucy each become involved with other people: Lucy with a wealthy oilman named Daniel Leeson (played by Ralph Bellamy) and Jerry with an aspiring singer named Dixie Belle Lee (played by Joyce Compton). However, despite their efforts to move on, they can't help but get involved in each other's lives, whether it's accidentally running into each other at a nightclub or sabotaging each other's new relationships.

Throughout The Awful Truth, the chemistry between Cary Grant and Irene Dunne is undeniable. Although their characters are going through a difficult time in their marriage, it's clear that they still have feelings for each other, and their banter and witty comebacks are a pleasure to watch. Ralph Bellamy also shines as the naive and clueless Daniel, who is completely oblivious to the fact that he's being used as a pawn in Jerry and Lucy's scheme to make each other jealous.

The film's director, Leo McCarey, is known for his ability to balance comedy with heart-warming moments of tenderness, and The Awful Truth is no exception. One particularly memorable scene is when Jerry sings "I Love You Truly" to Dixie, while Lucy listens in from outside the door. The song is a poignant reminder of the love that Jerry and Lucy once shared, and their facial expressions show that they both feel the pain of losing that love.

Overall, The Awful Truth is a charming and hilarious romantic comedy that has stood the test of time. It's no wonder that it was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic today. With its sparkling dialogue, clever plot twists, and unforgettable performances from its talented cast, The Awful Truth is a film that is sure to make you laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again.

The Awful Truth is a 1937 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 87.