Leopold Dilg (Cary Grant) is an outspoken political activist accused of burning down the paper mill where he works, which resulted in a death. During the trial, he manages to escape - injuring himself in the process - and takes refuge in a house owned by Nora Shelley (Jean Arthur).
Though they’re old friends, she wants no part of harboring a fugitive, especially since she’s renting the place to famous law professor Michael Lightcap (Ronald Colman), who wants some peace and quiet to write his book. This situation is made more complicated when he actually arrives a day early, just minutes after Leopold. So Nora stashes Leopold in the attic.
The trial and escape are big news around town, with most people (including the local police and an inept judge) already convinced Dilg is guilty. As the manhunt continues, Leopold’s lawyer, Sam Yates (Edgar Buchanan), feels Michael could greatly help in the case, but Michael wants to remain neutral, especially since he’s up for a seat on the supreme court. However, Sam and Nora - offering her services as a secretary - work on wearing him down.
Michael eventually meets Leopold, but doesn’t know who he really is, told by Nora he’s Joseph the gardener. However, they strike up a friendship based on their philosophies regarding the law, having numerous spirited discussions on the subject over meals and chess. The story has a romantic angle, too. Leopold has always had a crush on Nora, while Michael grows increasingly enamored with her. When Michael finally realizes Joseph is really the fugitive everyone’s looking for, he plans adhere to the law and turn him in, despite their friendship. However, Leopold knocks him out and escapes. After being admonished by Nora, Michael decides to investigate the details behind the case, uncovering a conspiracy to set-up Leopold, framing him for the mill fire.
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| "Checkmate, my friend. Now how 'bout a little Hungry Hungry Hippos." |
The Talk of the Town takes an entertaining narrative path, kicking things off as a thriller with film noir touches before evolving into a light comedy with romantic flourishes. Finally, it evolves into a procedural as Michael attempts to solve the mystery - and motive - behind the crime. For the most part, it’s an enjoyable journey. Grant’s role, and much of his dialogue, seem tailor-made for him, so while he ain’t exactly stretching himself here, it’s an enjoyable performance. Colman makes an interesting foil, his character undergoing the most change throughout the story. As Nora, Arthur is initially kind-of irritating, but the more she gets involved, the more endearing she becomes.
While never uproarious, The Talk of the Town largely achieves a congenial comic tone, with director George Stevens maintaining a lively pace. I don’t know if I’d rank it among his greatest films, but it was nominated for a lot of Oscars. Though it didn’t win any, a strong argument can be made that its witty, sometimes thought-provoking screenplay deserved a trophy.
Over eight decades later, The Talk of the Town film holds up pretty well. It’s an intelligent and engaging dramatic comedy, given a considerable boost by its trio of lead actors. Somewhat perplexingly, this 4K UHD disc is the first time the film has been re-issued since the DVD 20 years ago, foregoing any kind of Blu-ray release. While that might be sad news for some, it does look and sound quite good in high definition.
EXTRA KIBBLES
FEATURETTE - Talking About Talk of the Town features the director’s son, George Stevens Jr., discussing his father’s career, particularly his collaborations with Cary Grant.
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By author Marilyn Ann Moss.
DIGITAL COPY
1 comment:
Paul Thomson
THIS WAS BASED UPON A SUPPOSED CRIMINAL HIDING OUT IN A FRIEND'S HOUSE, WHERE A JUDGE HAS TAKEN FOR A QUIET HOLIDAY - SEVERAL SCENES DISCUSSION THE RELEVANCY OF LEGAL ASPECTS OF GRANT'S CASE WITH THE JUDGE TAKE PLACE. IT IS A VERY AMUSING AND SCREWBALL COMEDY AND A VERY VERBAL SHOW.
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