It's Love I'm After

It's Love I'm After is a sparkling romantic comedy from the golden age of Hollywood, released in 1937. The movie combines a hilarious and complex love triangle with elements of drama and farce, garnished with witty dialogues, wacky situations and pitch-perfect performances from the cast.

The story revolves around the lives of three principal characters portrayed by the high-calibre trio of Hollywood stars - suave and debonair Leslie Howard, the fabulous Bette Davis and the enchanting Olivia de Havilland. Directed by Archie Mayo, the plot of the movie is infused with a multi-layered blend of humor, passion and romantic tension.

Leslie Howard, known for his polished, gentleman characters, plays the role of Basil Underwood, a charismatic but self-absorbed Shakespearean actor. Bursting with playful energy, Howard splendidly handles his flamboyant character, which spends half the time quoting Shakespeare and the other half bumbling his way around his own love life.

Bette Davis, in her element, plays the part of Joyce Arden, Basil's co-star and tempestuous fiancée. Davis's Joyce is a mix of spirited fire and romantic innocence. She adores and despises Basil in equal measure, a testament to his infuriating yet captivating character.

The enchanting Olivia de Havilland, in one of her early roles, plays Marcia West, a young, naive, theatre-loving heiress who falls hopelessly in love with Basil after seeing him perform on stage. Naïve and besotted, de Havilland's Marcia is ideally contrasted against Davis’s worldlier Joyce. Marcia’s idealistic admiration for Basil triggers a series of chaotic misunderstandings that turn their world upside down.

The plot turns deliciously complex when Basil, in an attempt to dissuade Marcia from her affections for him, ends up wooing her under the guise of teaching her a lesson about love. The impeccable comedic timing of the leads, and the perfectly managed miscommunication and misunderstanding, add to the charm of this romantic farce.

The magnetic presence of the three leads is bolstered by a sparkling supporting cast that includes the likes of Eric Blore and Spring Byington. Blore, as the harried but loyal Digges, shines in both his interactions with Howard's Basil, and his foil-like contrasts with Byington's scatter-brained Mrs. West.

The direction by Archie Mayo is fluid and full of panache, bringing out the best not only from the movie’s high-profile leading actors, but also from the complementary talents making up the rest of the cast. Combining physical comedy, verbal wit and farcical misunderstandings, the pacing of the narrative keeps the audience laughing and engaged throughout.

In terms of settings and cinematography, the opulence of the theatre world and upper-class society shines through. The detailed production design, with its plush theatre backstages and lavish homes, serve as the perfect backdrop to this screwball comedy.

The screenplay, by George Kaufman and Edna Ferber, made into a scenario by Casey Robinson, showcases razor-sharp dialogue and an engaging narrative that manages to highlight the comic eccentricities of its characters without losing sight of their inherent charm and humanity. The witty exchanges, combined with the occasional monologue dedicated to life, love and the ridiculousness of both, contributes to an atmosphere of light-hearted enjoyment.

Thematically, It's Love I'm After presents a hilarious exploration of the complexities of love and the absurdities of human behavior. It is a warm and timeless portrayal of the sometimes bewildering, often frustrating, but ultimately irresistible nature of love. The movie is a delightful reminder of the simple joy of watching talented actors perform in an intelligently crafted comedy.

Audiences approaching the film can expect light-hearted entertainment, enhanced by the star power of Hollywood legends. It’s Love I’m After is a classic romantic comedy that bestows upon its viewers a charming, funny perspective on love, while championing the power of humor, even in matters of the heart. Its amusing storylines and charismatic performances are sure to entertain both classic movie aficionados and new viewers alike. This hidden gem from the 1930’s is a timeless testament to the magic of Hollywood's Golden Age.