[8]
Cary Grant plays a prison escapee who hides out in a rental home belonging to Jean Arthur. Arthur takes pity on him, but she’s also playing host for Ronald Colman, a visiting law professor whose just been offered a position on the Supreme Court. Arthur tries to keep Colman from discovering who Grant is, but Grant wants him to help prove his innocence. Colman finally acquiesces, putting his Supreme Court seat at peril and challenging corrupt local law officials while the town is whipped into a lynch-happy frenzy around them.
The Talk of the Town is an unusual blend of romantic comedy and social drama anchored by three terrific characters. Even though the script gets pretty serious at times, the characters are exceedingly engaging, balancing the dramatic tension with considerable charm. Against her better judgment, Arthur becomes fond of both men — and the men become good friends, too. Grant and Colman’s characters come from different philosophical backgrounds and develop genuine affection over the course of their discussions. We rarely see a love triangle where the men respect each other so much, that there’s no hard feelings when the lady finally makes her choice between them. This winning triumvirate is written with subtlety and infectious sweetness, and played superbly by Grant, Arthur, and Colman. It’s a joy to watch these characters stick their necks out for each other and form such tight bonds.
The Talk of the Town is directed by the versatile George Stevens (Gunga Din, Shane), who keeps the film both visually interesting and character-centered. He succeeds with the screwball comedy aspects as well as the mystery and crime drama elements. If there’s a false note, it might be in the film’s Capra-esque patriotic streak, which might be an element too many for this bold mixture.
With rich photography by Ted Tetzlaff (Notorious, My Man Godfrey), and memorable supporting performances from Edgar Buchanan as Grant’s steadfast lawyer and Glenda Farrell as a salon worker with a secret.
Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Original Story, Screenplay, Black & White Cinematography, Black & White Art Direction, Film Editing, Score (Friedrich Hollaender, Morris Stoloff)