The story goes that director Leo McCarey told his actors to improvise in their comedy, and if it was good, he would use it. Cary Grant was skeptical at first, but then rolled with it. He's very good at comedy in addition to being the gold standard in debonair, and there were a few scenes in 'The Awful Truth' that had me laughing out loud. The most memorable is when he stands behind the door, and after getting bonked on the nose a few times, tickles Irene Dunne with a pencil as she listens to love poetry from her new beau (Ralph Bellamy). You see, Grant and Dunne are in the process of getting a divorce, after he "went to Florida" in order to be with another woman, and she was in a hotel with her voice teacher "because their car broke down". After fighting for custody of their dog, Mr. Smith (Skippy aka Asta), they continue to trade playful barbs and play mischief on one another, sabotaging their new relationships. The movie is full of clever dialog, banter, and general zaniness. It's a little harsh on Okies, showing the cultural divide has always been with us, but it's in funny (and hopefully non-offensive) ways. As cute as that all was, it was the final scene that really made the film for me. In an understated way, it's very sexy, with the tension having been built up from all Grant and Dunne's comments. It's clear they know each other perfectly, still love each other, and want each other. The idea they end up together will hardly come as a surprise, but the execution in that last scene is lovely, with a slow, almost teasing pace, and Dunne looking up at Grant demurely from her bed. McCarey won the Oscar for best director amidst several other nominations for the film, and while it's not the best of romantic or screwball comedies, it's very good, and well worth watching.

It's nice to see an entertaining love story. A story that is spontaneous, simple and hilarious. THE AWFUL TRUTH is that kind of movie. am delighted by the fact that improvisation of dialogue is so original and funny.In the film, everything seems cheerful and clever, although the topic should not be like that. The moments in which the main characters get serious are rare. The technique is great because I do not remember that someone dared so to force a dialogue. If the revolution dialogue add great improvisation result in this case is excellent. I do not think that this film is a completely sheer comedy. There are contained travesty and mockery, supposed game of movement and language.I'm pretty sure that this movie eagerly embraced today's audience. Thematic would be interesting, but this dose immaturity character would only heightened the effect. I do not think they would have caught the stomach from laughing, but they would certainly enjoy. Set design is not perfect, but at times I was amazed. The acting is phenomenal.Love triangle Grant, Dunne and Bellamy acts hilarious. Cary Grant as Jerry Warriner is sarcastic without being nasty, debonair but not aloof. Grant is a sophisticated comedian. Every line is a cheeky poke. Irene Dunne as Lucy Warriner is funny, glamorous, hoyden and mischievous at the same time. She dominated the competition at a crucial moment. The second part of the film is rightfully hers. Ralph Bellamy (Dan Leeson) was from the beginning an absolute outsider. Jerry in every scene separated him into prime factors. Cecil Cunningham as Aunt Patsy is responsible for the sarcastic tone. Every time in the right moment.The Awful Truth is smart and witty comedy. The famous dialogue with lots of humor and sophisticated situations. McCarey made a great movie.

Jerry Warriner (Cary Grant) returns home from a trip but he lies about it being to Florida. His wife Lucy (Irene Dunne) is nowhere to be found. She returns home with suave foreigner Armand Duvalle. Everybody is suspicious. He doesn't believe her car broke down and his Florida story doesn't hold up. They decide to get divorced. They fight over their dog Mr. Smith but she wins with a toy. She moves in with her Aunt Patsy and goes out with her neighbor oil-rich Oklahoma hick Dan Leeson. Dan's mother disapproves. Jerry ends up with socialite Barbara Vance. Jerry and Lucy constantly fight and can't seem to get over each other.Cary Grant and Irene Dunne are a fun couple. Their jabs are always sharp and utterly endearing. They are a cute couple and I rather like this rom-com premise. The start is a little clunky with the misunderstandings but it quickly falls into the classic formula. The thing is that this movie is one of those that created the formula. Grant and Dunne can't be any more lovable. The jokes are funny and this is a charming movie.

May be the best 'screwball comedy' of them all. Grant and Dunne are perfect, and they have perfect support from Ralph Bellamy and Cecil Cunningham.It's all been said in other reviews, so here are just a few observations;*Important to note that this was possibly the first of the so-called 'screwball comedies' which were so popular in the 30's and early 40's. I think this the best of a genre which can easily veer off into tedium ("You Can't Take It With You").*As noted by another reviewer, Irene Dunne's style was copied by Katharine Hepburn, instead of vice versa. For my money, Irene Dunne was a better all-around actress.*As mentioned, here is another instance of Ralph Bellamy playing the also-ran boyfriend. He seemed to make a career out of this type of role and here gets an AA nom for his work.*There are so many funny scenes in this picture and I think it's a tribute to the comedic genius of Leo McCarey, who started out as a director of silent comedy shorts, including some Laurel and Hardys.