The Lady Eve
The Lady Eve

Movie spotlight

The Lady Eve

1941
Movie
97 min
English

It's no accident when wealthy Charles falls for Jean. Jean is a con artist with her sights set on Charles' fortune. Matters complicate when Jean starts falling for her mark. When Charles suspects Jean is a gold digger, he dumps her. Jean, fixated on revenge and still pining for the millionaire, devises a plan to get back in Charles' life. With love and payback on her mind, she re-introduces herself to Charles, this time as an aristocrat named Lady Eve Sidwich.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Google Users92%
Director: Preston SturgesGenres: Comedy, Romance, Screwball

Plot Summary

A cunning and beautiful con artist, Jean Harrington, sets her sights on Charles Pike, a wealthy but naive young brewer returning from an expedition in the Amazon. Posing as Lady Eve Sidonia, she attempts to seduce and swindle him out of his fortune. However, their budding romance is complicated by her own developing feelings and the interference of her father and his associate.

Critical Reception

The Lady Eve is widely regarded as a classic of screwball comedy, praised for its witty dialogue, sharp performances, and clever plotting. Critics and audiences alike have consistently lauded Barbara Stanwyck's dual performance and Henry Fonda's charmingly befuddled portrayal.

What Reviewers Say

  • Barbara Stanwyck delivers a masterful performance in a dual role.

  • Preston Sturges' sharp wit and clever dialogue are on full display.

  • A quintessential screwball comedy with enduring charm.

Google audience: Audiences celebrate The Lady Eve as a hilarious and brilliantly crafted comedy, with particular praise for Barbara Stanwyck's performance and the film's enduring wit and charm. Many appreciate its smart writing and satisfying romantic entanglements.

Fun Fact

The film's famous 'snake pit' scene, where Jean (as Lady Eve) first encounters Charles again after their initial separation, was inspired by a real-life incident involving a circus performer who was bitten by a snake during a performance.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Barbara Stanwyck is on great form in this slightly far-fetched caper, but it’s really a strong supporting cast which includes co-star Henry Fonda and Charles Coburn that add together to make this an enjoyable romp through the courting proce...

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