It Happened One Night

  And this week's Friday night movie has been... It Happened One Night!

Original image located here. Accessed 12th January 2024

Best Picture Oscar winner no.: 7 (1934)

This film has quite the reputation behind it: It was the first movie in Oscars history to scoop the top five awards (Best Picture/Actor/Actress/Director/Screenplay) and several elements inspired the mannerisms of Bugs Bunny. But perhaps the greatest legacy of this movie is that it is the progenitor of the modern rom-com.
You know those movies where two people come together, by chance, start hating one another and then form a romantic bond that cumulates in a disrupted wedding? Yeah, you can thank this movie for that.

Ultimately however this is still pretty funny and age has not withered the humour present. Likewise for the presence of our two leads - which is an impressive achievement considering Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable hated making it. But you wouldn't think that watching it now.
In fact, this movie still comes across as fun even when it has been copied countless times (but never bettered). Truly a gem.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

And this week's Friday night movie has been.....The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)!

Original image located here. Accessed 22nd September 2017

Whenever someone brings up to the topic of remakes I always think of this movie. For you see, this was a movie made by Alfred Hitchcock when he was living in the UK. Then, in 1956 when he'd moved to Hollywood, Hitchcock remade his own movie. And why did he do it? Well, he thought he could've done a better job the second time around.

I will eventually watch the remake but for now, what did I take away from the original? Well, to be honest I found it kinda dull. I could write this down as the movie showing it's age but somehow it just didn't engage me.

That's not to say it wasn't without highlights namely Peter Lorre stealing the show, the fight scene in the chapel and the concert scene proving Hitchcock's status as The Master of Suspense is well earned.
That's my take on the original but how will the remake turn out? Tune in next week....