William A. Wellman (1896–1975)

This film classic takes cynicism to new heights in very fun fashion as Carole Lombard gives a truly wonderful performance as a girl from a small town in Vermont who, thanks to jaded reporter Frederic March, becomes the toast of New York. A bad medical diagnosis from her pal Charles Winninger is the reason why.

David O. Selznick produced and William A. Wellman directed what proved to be one of the finest moments in Carole Lombard’s career. Ben Hecht adapted the screenplay from James H. Street’s darkly humorous and cynical take on the newspaper business and the American public. Oscar Levant wrote the score and Raymond Scott and his Quintett add some swing music. Fredric March and Carole Lombard have a working chemistry that makes this one a load of fun.

March is Wally Cook, a star reporter for the “New York Morning Star” who has been demoted to the obituary page when he’s conned. Oliver Stone (Walter Connolly) his boss does have a heart, but only if you blast for it! Wally sees a chance to get back in Oliver’s good graces when he spots a short story about a young girl from the small town of Warsaw, Vermont, who has been diagnosed with radium poisoning and has only a short time to live. He heads for Warsaw to bring Hazel back and exploit the young girl cut down in her prime.

Carole Lombard is, of course, Hazel Flagg. The reason Hazel is crying isn’t because she’s dying, but rather because Dr. Enoch Downer (Charles Winninger) has just told Hazel he made a mistake and she’s going to have to remain in Warsaw after all. Hazel was going to use the 200 dollars you get from dying in Warsaw to see the world, and get out of the small town. As she tells Enoch: “It's startling to be brought to life twice, and each time in Warsaw!”

When Wally shows up and wants to take Hazel back to New York…well, you can guess the rest. Once they travel by plane to New York, which is a new experience for both Hazel and Enoch, the real fun begins. And of course a romance of sorts blooms by film's end.

Lombard is sweet and adorable as Hazel lives it up like she has no tomorrows, and thanks to a series of stories by Wally, becomes the toast of New York. In a romantic scene as they go sailing. Lombard’s beauty will simply take your breath away. Hazel is hilarious as she gets plastered at a casino and passes out before the devoted crowd. The cynicism of Ben Hecht’s script really shines when Oliver, standing over Hazel, inquires from Wally about her condition: “Don't spare my feelings. We go to press in 15 minutes.” There are many such moments contrasted against the sweetness of Hazel Flagg.

A fake drowning, a hilarious fight scene between Wally and Hazel, and Lombard dripping wet wearing a Fireman’s hat are scenes you just can’t miss in a film originally in early technicolor. Lombard would give her life for her country on an Indiana war bond tour and this film is a shining example of the magic she left behind. You do not want to miss it.… (more)

Lombard is very likable as the small-town girl faking a fatal disease so she can see New York. March is solid as the reporter who falls in love with her. The script has some great lines that still ring true, but is marred by some typical 1930s-era racism and stereotypes. The people of Vermont come off especially badly! But Lombard is radiant, and there is a sad irony in this beautiful young actress, who was doomed to die in a plane crash 5 years later, playing someone pretending to be fatally ill. The fllm is also in color, which doesn't count for much in most scenes, but the aerial scenes of New York early in the film are wonderful. Look for the also-doomed Singer Building.… (more)