Rating: 
Summary: A classic that deserves to endure
Review: A spoiled socialite (Claudette Colbert) flees her wealthy father (Walter Connolly) and heads for New York to marry a rich playboy (Jameson Thomas) against her father's will. The whereabouts of Ellie Andrews and the reward for her return become the stuff of national headlines, so when recently fired reporter Peter Warne (Clark Gable) recognizes her, he decides to stick close so he can write the story. Naturally, romance follows, but it's a bumpy and hugely entertaining road to get there.This is an absolutely wonderful film. It's such a shame that so many people are not interested in watching an old black-and-white movie. Good work is timeless. Gable and Colbert have wonderful chemistry and are both hilarious and touching. The rest of the cast is excellent as well. Even though the story is set during the Great Depression, it doesn't seem dated at all. The wisecracking between characters is sharp and well-written (by screenwriter Robert Riskin); there are lots of laugh-out-loud moments during this film. It's also pretty racy and suggestive for its time, with a genuinely affecting climax. Another level of interest is added by the careful attention that director Frank Capra pays to the depression-era milieu; Colbert's character really doesn't understand the plight of the common man, but Gable's hard-bitten reporter is all too aware of the hard times that people are going through. This adds a fascinating sociological dimension.
Rating:
Summary: Best Picture Winner that Deserved it.
Review: This film is nothing but brilliant. There is not a second that goes by when you get bored of it. Its an all time favourite, and its one of the few movies which I can honestly say was worthy of the Awards it received.
The film stars Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert and is directed by Frank Capra. Three top names, which one simply can't resist. All three showing off their talents to the highest degree possible.
The film was released in 1934 and won five academy awards, Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. How much films can you honestly think of which have taken all five of the main awards and really deserved it?
Here's a quick take on the story: Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) is this spoiled rich girl, who runs away from her father (Walter Connolly) who is a millionaire, so that she can marry her fiancee. On her way to New York, she gets on a bus on which she meets a newspaper reporter, Peter Warne (Clark Gable). They start off bad, but then there bus breaks down, which is the start to a very funny hitchhiking trip that will certainly change the both of them. The scene where Gable is pretending that he is a gangster is hilarious!
The picture quality looks very good, although it can appear a litle soft in places. The mono sound is mostly clear and crisp throughout, easily understandable. It has some nice extras, such as an Original Live Radio Broadcast that is very, very entertaining. A featurette, the usual trailer, along with a few other things aswell. There is a commentary on the Region 1 (US) release, but I can't comment on it. It wasn't on my Region 2 release due to legal issues or something.
Admittedly, Columbia treat their Classic film catalogue on DVD fairly in some cases, and terribly in some others ("You Can't Take it With You" is of awful quality). Thankfully, this fine film got lucky, and was given this top-rate release. Fans of Gable, Capra, or Colbert will love this.
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