# The Awful Truth

> 1937 film by Leo McCarey

**Wikidata**: [Q278513](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q278513)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Awful_Truth)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-awful-truth

## Summary
The Awful Truth is a 1937 American romantic comedy film directed by Leo McCarey, starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant. It is recognized as a landmark of the "comedy of remarriage" genre and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. The film earned McCarey the Academy Award for Best Director.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1937 with dates January 1 and October 21, 1937.
- Directed by Leo McCarey, who won the Academy Award for Best Director for this film.
- Produced by Columbia Pictures, a U.S.-based film company founded in 1918.
- Genres: romantic comedy and comedy of remarriage.
- Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry (established in 1988).
- Starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant.
- Country: United States.
- Sitelink count: 37.
- Wikipedia title: *The Awful Truth*.
- Aliases: *Awful Truth*.

## FAQs
- **Who directed The Awful Truth?**  
  Leo McCarey directed the film, for which he won the 1937 Academy Award for Best Director.  
- **What is the plot of The Awful Truth?**  
  The story revolves around a married couple navigating divorce and reconciliation, blending witty dialogue and comedic misunderstandings.  
- **What genres does the film belong to?**  
  It is classified as a romantic comedy and a "comedy of remarriage," a subgenre focused on estranged couples reuniting.  
- **Why is the film historically significant?**  
  It was added to the National Film Registry in 1992, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.  
- **Who stars in the film?**  
  Irene Dunne and Cary Grant lead the cast, delivering performances that critics praised for their chemistry and comedic timing.  

## Why It Matters
The Awful Truth is a seminal work in the romantic comedy genre, celebrated for its sophisticated dialogue, strong performances, and influence on later films. As a "comedy of remarriage," it helped define a narrative template that explores marital dynamics and reconciliation. Its preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its enduring relevance, and McCarey’s Oscar win cemented its status as a masterclass in comedic direction. The film’s blend of humor and emotional depth continues to appeal to audiences, making it a classic of American cinema.

## Notable For
- Won the Academy Award for Best Director (Leo McCarey, 1937).  
- Selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.  
- A defining example of the "comedy of remarriage" subgenre.  
- Stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, iconic actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age.  
- Produced by Columbia Pictures, a major studio founded in 1918.  

## Body

### Production and Release  
The Awful Truth was produced by Columbia Pictures, a studio established in 1918, and released in 1937. The film premiered on January 1, 1937, with a subsequent release on October 21, 1937. Directed by Leo McCarey, it marked a high point in his career, earning him the Academy Award for Best Director. The screenplay, adapted from the 1923 play of the same name, was crafted by Verna Felton and Ralph Bellamy.

### Genre and Themes  
The film is a quintessential romantic comedy and a prime example of the "comedy of remarriage" genre, which focuses on couples reconciling after separation. It explores themes of love, trust, and social class, using humor to critique societal norms of the 1930s. The witty repartee between leads Irene Dunne and Cary Grant set a new standard for on-screen chemistry.

### Awards and Recognition  
Leo McCarey’s direction was honored with the 1937 Academy Award for Best Director, a testament to his skill in balancing comedy and emotional depth. The film’s critical and commercial success solidified McCarey’s reputation as a master of the genre.

### Preservation  
In 1992, the Library of Congress selected The Awful Truth for preservation in the National Film Registry, deeming it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The Registry, established in 1988, ensures the film’s longevity as a landmark of American cinema.

### Cast and Crew  
The film stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant as the central couple, with Ralph Bellamy and Beulah Bondi in supporting roles. Dunne and Grant’s performances were widely praised, showcasing their ability to convey both humor and vulnerability. McCarey’s direction brought out the best in his cast, emphasizing improvisation and naturalistic acting.

### Legacy and Influence  
The Awful Truth influenced generations of romantic comedies, including films like *His Girl Friday* (1940) and *The Philadelphia Story* (1940). Its impact extends to modern media, with its "comedy of remarriage" framework still studied in film theory. The movie’s blend of sophistication and slapstick humor helped define the screwball comedy genre, ensuring its continued relevance in film history.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028597/)
2. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=1458.html)
3. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028597/fullcredits)
4. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
5. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1938)
6. The Movie Database
7. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
8. The Awful Truth. Rotten Tomatoes
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028597/releaseinfo/)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Kinopoisk
12. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/awful-truth-the/)
13. AlloCiné
14. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
15. film distribution certificate
16. Online-Filmdatenbank
17. Bechdel Test Movie List
18. mymovies.it
19. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/6A33-7A9B-C9E8-656B-7D2E-N)
20. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/93336)
21. Trakt.tv
22. FilmVandaag.nl