And the Best Picture goes to....

In “It Happened One Night,” Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable convincingly showcase their chemistry as characters who fall for each other. The fast-paced banter between them keeps the story moving as they travel up the East Coast by bus, on foot, and by automobile. After a series of misadventures and constant bickering, their journey transforms into a delightful and heartwarming escapade. It becomes evident that their feelings for each other run deep after they spend the night together in the second motel. This development leads to her impending wedding to the “wrong” man, making viewers root for Gable and wonder if Colbert will go through with the ceremony.

Clark Gable’s portrayal of the charismatic and street-smart Peter Warne is a standout performance, while  Claudette Colbert’s Ellie Andrews is captivating. Her portrayal of Ellie evolves throughout the film, showcasing her talent for both comedy and drama.  (There’s also a bit of irony, considering that neither Gable nor Colbert were interested in doing this project, but had to be persuaded by their respective studios.)

The film’s script is witty and clever, filled with memorable dialogue and hilarious situations. The iconic “Walls of Jericho” scene, where Gable’s character hangs a blanket between their shared motel room to create a barrier, has become a classic moment in cinema history.  There are many elements that I can see in this film that are visible in many future romantic-comedies, with  ”Arthur” and “Runaway Bride” coming to mind.  And despite the subject matter there isn’t a single on-screen kiss shared between the main characters, which only proves their undeniable chemistry.

Also of note is that this was the first film to sweep the Oscars, by winning the top five Academy Award categories—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.  This achievement guaranteed the film’s status as a masterpiece.