Film Forum

(1941) Con gal Barbara Stanwyck, aided by “dad” Charles Coburn, preys on owlish herpetologist Henry Fonda, in the comedy that topped the NY Times’ 10 Best list: Citizen Kane came in second. 35mm. Approx. 94 min.

Following the screening, Film Forum Repertory Director Bruce Goldstein will chat with Sturges’ son Tom, co-author (with Nick Smedley) of the new book Preston Sturges: The Last Year of Hollywood’s First Writer-Director, plus audience Q&A. Book signing in the lobby following the event.

Reviews

“The dizzy high point of Sturges’ career.”
– Pauline Kael

“Stanwyck supplies a bravura double performance, a showcase for her brilliant versatility.”
– Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

“Third writer-director effort of Preston Sturges is laugh entertainment of top proportions.”
– Variety

“Very nearly perfection, and quintessential Sturges.”
– Time Out (London)

“If I were asked to name the single scene in all of romantic comedy that was sexiest and funniest at the same time, I would advise beginning at six seconds past the 20-minute mark in Preston Sturges' The Lady Eve, and watching as Barbara Stanwyck toys with Henry Fonda's hair in an unbroken shot that lasts three minutes and 51 seconds.”
– Roger Ebert