Twentieth Century

Twentieth Century is a sparkling comedic gem in the crown of early motion pictures, directed by Howard Hawks in 1934. The film dazzles with its rich combination of screwball comedy, entangled love stories, Broadway showmanship, and an insider's look into the frenetic world of theatre production. The film stars John Barrymore, Carole Lombard, and Walter Connolly.

Set against the backdrop of the 1930s, the narrative is situated on the iconic 20th Century Limited train that travels from Chicago to New York. The title of the movie superbly blends this physical setting with the artistic and professional upheavals of the main characters, embodying the turmoil and dynamism characteristic of the twentieth-century lifestyle.

The film captures the genius actor John Barrymore as egomaniacal Broadway director Oscar Jaffe. A master of the ‘grand gesture’, Jaffe is far removed from reality, always prepared to launch into a dramatic soliloquy or direct an imaginary ensemble at a moment's notice. Barrymore, often considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, is mesmerizing as Jaffe, showing the full range of his comedic and theatrical abilities.

Opposite him is Carole Lombard, playing the emphatic role of Mildred Plotka, a charismatic but amateurish performer whom Jaffe transforms into a Broadway star named Lily Garland. Lombard, an actress known for her comedic timing and the deeply refined charm she brought to screwball comedies, is immaculate as the dramatic, tempestuous, and slightly daffy Lily. As she morphs from a shy, clumsy chorus girl to a radiant star under Jaffe's direction, Lombard both captivates and endears herself to the audience.

Walter Connolly's character, Oliver Webb, Jaffe’s long-suffering business partner, provides a solid counterpoint to Barrymore's frenzied theatrics. Connolly's worldliness, combined with a dry sense of humor, offers a grounding presence amid the whirlwind of flamboyant personalities, spot-on gags, and quicksilver dialogue that characterize the film.

The plot of Twentieth Century revolves around an intertwining web of professional aspirations, ambitions, romantic frustrations, and ego tussles, providing plenty of opportunities for sometimes biting, sometimes farcical, but always witty humor. The film has a palpable frenetic rhythm, mirroring the lifestyle of a high-stakes Broadway production and of an era when the spectacle was everything.

An important aspect of Twentieth Century is its behind-the-scenes depiction of theatre life. The movie plunges the audience headfirst into the whirlwind of auditions, rehearsals, distressing premieres, rousing successes, and epic failures. Yet, it always does so with humor and heart, ensuring that while the characters might seem larger-than-life, they remain relatably human.

Using the skyscraper-tall ego clashes and ambitious dreams as the grand theme, Hawks and his screenwriters Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht lace the narrative with sharp-witted dialogue and eccentric scenarios that highlight the absurdities of 'show business'. They seamlessly translate the Broadway play’s stage-bound material onto the big screen.

Visually, Twentieth Century is predominantly set on the train, which provides a claustrophobic yet dynamic environment that heightens the characters' heightened emotions and egos. The film jury-rigs an amiable balance between the confined spaces of a train car and the expansiveness of character personalities and comic situations. Furthermore, the cinematography and set design of the movie evoke the luxurious Art Deco style characteristic of the 1930s, further establishing the movie within its historical period.

Twentieth Century is credited with being one of the definitive 'screwball' comedies that would come to define Hollywood in the mid-to-late 1930s. A pre-Code film, it exudes uninhibited energy and boldness, exploring themes and ideas that would become more oblique and restrained once the Hollywood Production Code began to be strictly enforced.

In summary, Twentieth Century is renowned for its superb performances, its fiery and dynamic screenplay, and its vivid behind-the-scenes portrayal of Broadway theatre life. Barrymore, Lombard, and their formidable ensemble cast deliver a timeless comedy that exemplifies the wit, style, and poignancy characteristic of early Hollywood cinema. With engaging characters, a spacious narrative scope, and a ceaselessly hilarious storyline, Twentieth Century is a standout entry in director Howard Hawks’ impressive filmography and a memorable highlight to anyone's classic movie viewing list.