Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Tuesday Forgotten Movies: THE PALM BEACH STORY



The trailer here sums things up pretty nicely. One of my favorites even if it is not forgotten. Joel McCrea is always in top form and Claudette Colbert is too. You can hardly go wrong with this cast in a movie directed by Preston Sturgis. Both stars could play any part and make it work. Likewise Mary Astor and Rudy Vallee. Love it. The pacing is exquisite. Why do no current directors or writers get it?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Patti - I have to admit; this isn't one I've seen although I've heard of it. I should try to find a copy.

Sergio (Tipping My Fedora) said...

This is a sublime films - for years I always picked this as my favourite Preston Sturges movies just because it really surprised me the most and made me laugh the loudest. But in those few short years he made so many great films, such as LADY EVEM HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO, THE MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK, SULLIVAN'S TROUBLES, that picking a favourite is near impossible actually. Great choice Patti.

Anonymous said...

It's been a long time since I saw this but I agree with you - love it. Not my favorite Sturges movie but a good one.

I know Sergio meant SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS.

I like McCrea a lot and loved the late RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY with him and Randolph Scott.


Jeff M.

Ed Gorman said...

I've seen this six or seven times and it gets better with each viewing. Colbert always had an amusing way of handling men--even when she's tender she's slightly dismissive. She clearly believes that men never know what's best for them and in many cases she's right. Mary Astor is brilliant as are both McCrea and even Rudy Vallee. PRESTON STURGES RULES!!!!!,

pattinase (abbott) said...

THE LADY EVE would come very close as a second choice. Yes, RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY is a terrific McCrea film too.

pattinase (abbott) said...

These movies never grow old because the pacing is just so quick. There are no wasted scenes. Colbert could play comedy as well as tragedy and high drama as could Stanwyck and Lombard.

pattinase (abbott) said...

THE LADY EVE would come very close as a second choice. Yes, RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY is a terrific McCrea film too.

J F Norris said...

This is practically the textbook screenplay for the screwball comedy genre. A true classic. Not mentioned among the Sturges films above is my personal favorite -- UNFAITHFULLY YOURS.

pattinase (abbott) said...

That may be the only movie I like Rex Harrison in. Brilliant.