Bringing Up Baby (1938, Screwball Comedy)

Starring: Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charles Ruggles, May Robson, and Barry Fitzgerald. Director: Howard Hawks.

I have mixed feelings concerning this movie. I thought there was occasional clever dialogue, but the leading female played by Katherine Hepburn was just so crazy! This wacky character, Susan Vance, was a conniving, manipulating shrew, and I don't see anyone relating to her. Susan Vance is so self-centered that I feel sorry for Doctor David Huxley, the paleontologist, played by the marvelous Cary Grant. These characters have some hilarious conversations like the following:

David Huxley: You don't understand: this is *my* car!

Susan Vance: Your golf ball, your running board, your car? Is there anything in the world that doesn't belong to you? David Huxley: Yes, thank heavens, YOU!!!

The supporting cast is note-worthy. Charles Ruggles and May Robson play the characters who seem to have any sanity. The following scene is particularly funny, because Cary Grant is wearing a pink bathrobe decorated with feathers and bows:

Mrs. Random: Well, you look perfectly idiotic in those clothes.

David Huxley: These aren't my clothes.

Mrs. Random: Well, where are your clothes?

David Huxley: I've lost my clothes!

Mrs. Random: But why are you wearing *these* clothes?

David Huxley: Because I just went gay all of a sudden!

This conversation is not politically correct. This humor would not have been tolerated nowadays. The ACLU would be up in arms, arguing that this stupid movie promotes stereotyping of alternate lifestyles. This line is funny in a stupid way! May Robson is wonderful as she plays Mrs. Random/Aunt Elizabeth. Still, Cary Grant is the reason for this show's popularity. His comic performance is the showstopper. Another slamdunk for Archibald Leach! However, the ending was quite corny.  Okay movie, yet a must-see for Cary Grant fans! :-)