Idiot's Delight

Idiot's Delight, a captivating 1939 release, is a gem in the treasure trove of Hollywood's Golden Age. Directed by the revered Clarence Brown, this movie is a remarkable blend of comedy, drama, romance, and the tense atmosphere of brewing political unrest. The screenplay by Robert E. Sherwood, which is based on his own Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, is a story of passion, performance, and power, set against the backdrop of the events leading up to the Second World War.

The film features a star-studded cast, anchored by the brilliant Norma Shearer and the iconic Clark Gable. Shearer luminously portrays Irene Fellara, a faux Russian noblewoman and political activist, while Gable, showcases his versatile acting skills by stepping into the shoes of Harry Van, an ambitious American vaudeville performer.

Idiot's Delight is a plot-heavy narrative that unfolds slowly, like a well-paced play, highlighting the quirks and nuances of its array of characters. The film starts at a leisurely pace with a chance encounter between Harry Van and Irene at a vaudeville house. Harry is a struggling entertainer, leading a troupe of dancers, while Irene is a spectator, fascinated by his daring persona. As the story progresses, they cross paths years later at an alpine hotel, but the circumstances have radically changed. Irene is now masquerading as a countess while Harry is on the brink of military enlistment.

However, in the snow-tipped tranquility of the Alps, their past collides with the present, causing a cascade of laughter and tension, heartbreaks and surprises. Can Harry see through Irene's disguise? Can Irene overcome the political maneuvers to rekindle a past romance? These are the central questions that shape the narrative of this intrinsically gripping film.

Supporting Shearer and Gable are several talented actors, each playing crucial roles in the narrative arc. Edward Arnold exhibits a masterful performance as the thoughtful yet quietly ruthless arms dealer, Achille Weber. His subplot adds an additional level of intrigue to the narrative, making the plotline more complex and engaging. Other notable performances include Charles Coburn as the wise doctor and Burgess Meredith as Quillery, an idealist willing to raise an inconvenient truth even at the cost of his life.

Idiot's Delight represents the brilliance of Hollywood filmmaking of the late 1930s, with its sweeping visuals, enchanting musical score, and meticulous set designs. The film heavily invests in bringing out the authentic feel of the period, from the opulence of the Alpine hotel to the vibrant atmosphere of the vaudeville house. Joseph Ruttenberg's cinematography effectively complements this visual treat, bringing a melange of moods to life.

Furthermore, the dialogues, penned by Sherwood, showcase a keen understanding of human behavior and emotions. They are sharp, insightful, and bring a good dose of wit and humor to the story. The dialogue between Gable and Shearer is particularly noteworthy, with their spirited exchanges ensuring their on-screen chemistry is always electric.

But perhaps what stands out most in Idiot's Delight is an iconic musical number by Clark Gable, a scene which is not only memorable but also showcases Gable in a light different from his usual 'tough guy' persona. The music throughout the movie, however, does more than just entertain - it crafts a narrative tool, revealing character emotions and moving the plot forward.

However, while Idiot's Delight does contain its fair share of light entertainment and enjoyable moments, it remains a movie grounded in reality. The ominous backdrop of an impending war adds a layer of tension and gravity to the narrative that permeates through the entire movie, reminding us that the corporate and personal ambitions, romantic entanglements, and comic relief are, but a temporary distraction from the world's grim realities.

In conclusion, Idiot's Delight is a movie that showcases Hollywood's Golden Age at its best - an enchanting blend of stellar performances, engaging narrative, and an underlying tension that lends depth to the film. With its potent mixture of humor, romance, drama, and political undertones, it is a worthy watch for all fans of classic Hollywood cinema.