Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic '40s screwball comedy has greed, deception, smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Lady Eve
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE LADY EVE follows con woman Jean's (Barbara Stanwyck) attempt to seduce the wealthy heir Charles Pike (Henry Fonda).
Is It Any Good?
Very much of its time, this classic screwball comedy bears all the hallmarks of writer-director Preston Sturges' most famous works. With its snappy dialogue, frantic pace, and characters that appear oblivious to the absurdity of their situation, it's easy to see why The Lady Eve is fondly remembered by fans of the genre. How much modern audiences will buy into some of its more far-fetched plot twists and goofy turns is open to question, while the way the central relationship plays out will raise an eyebrow by today's standards. However, there remains an innocence and sense of playfulness throughout.
Golden Era heavyweight Stanwyck brings Jean's conniving plans to life with a flourish, while Fonda commits to making Charles a (literally) loveable stooge. The smoky blacks and greys of its 1940s print are another enjoyable reminder of how movies used to look and feel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the comedic moments in The Lady Eve. Did you find it funny? How was this different to more modern movies? What does it tell us about this period?
Discuss Jean's deception of Charles. Did you find it plausible? How would it be difficult in today's world, with modern communication and technologies?
How was smoking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? How has our behavior when it comes to smoking changed from when the movie was set?
Talk about some of the characters' privileged lives. Why do you think they were held in such high regard? Did this seem true to life? Discuss why money often means respect and whether that's right.
Discuss the movie's portrayal of women's love lives. Why is it problematic that Charles was offended by Jean's supposed promiscuity? What does this tell us about some men's attitudes toward women at the time? Do you think things have changed in this regard?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 21, 1941
- On DVD or streaming : October 16, 2001
- Cast : Barbara Stanwyck , Henry Fonda , Charles Coburn
- Director : Preston Sturges
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 3, 2021
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