Libeled Lady
Libeled Lady

Movie spotlight

Libeled Lady

1936
Movie
98 min
English

When a major newspaper accuses wealthy socialite Connie Allenbury of being a home-wrecker, and she files a multi-million-dollar libel lawsuit, the publication's frazzled head editor, Warren Haggerty, must find a way to turn the tables on her. Soon Haggerty's harried fiancée, Gladys Benton, and his dashing friend Bill Chandler are in on a scheme that aims to discredit Connie, with amusing and unexpected results.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Director: Jack ConwayGenres: Comedy, Romance, Screwball Comedy

Plot Summary

A fast-talking newspaper editor concocts an elaborate scheme to prevent a wealthy heiress from suing his paper for libel. He enlists the help of a sassy reporter and his own ex-wife, a glamorous actress, to charm the heiress and discredit her case through a fake engagement. However, the plan spirals into romantic entanglements and comedic confusion as true feelings begin to surface.

Critical Reception

Libeled Lady was a critical and commercial success upon its release, lauded for its witty dialogue, sophisticated humor, and the sparkling chemistry of its star-studded cast. It is widely considered a quintessential example of the screwball comedy genre of the 1930s.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp writing and sophisticated comedic timing.

  • Celebrated the seamless blend of romance and farce.

  • Lauded the exceptional performances, especially from the lead quartet.

Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this classic film.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to star Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, but Colbert was unavailable, leading to the casting of William Powell and Jean Harlow, whose real-life romance at the time added an extra layer of chemistry to their on-screen partnership.

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