It Happened One Night
1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
In the 1930's movie making was at an all time high, with new developments within code of production, technologies for producing film, as well as the entry of film with sound. A seal of approval came into play, which meant that Hollywood production companies wouldn't show films in their theater's without this seal. This seal of approval is now the standard seen in all movies to this day. Its amazing how far movies have come. Hollywood production companies back in those times, could not show movies showing nudity, forms of infidelity, Crime not to do with the plot, and other scenarios we see in present day films. This code especially effected women, to the extent that women had to be shown properly dressed, no low cut blouses or skin shown. Pre-code women casted in certain movie rolls depending on their character, were shown to be sexy and sensual. In this Film "It Happened One Night"the main character Ellie Andrews played by Claudette Colbert, plays an empowering role as a woman who wants to live her life the way she wants to, not the way her father wants. As the plot unfolds, noticeable code of production takes effect. For example when Andrews is laying in bed with reporter Warne, they don't show Andrews getting undressed. Nor do they show scenes of violence. I found it was amazing how strict the code was back then, it amazes me how far the film industry has come with those restrictions really no longer in play.
2) Find a related article and summarize the content.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025316/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv
For this part of the entry, I decided to chose the trivia from the internet movie database for "It Happened One Night". I was surprised how just about all the stars of this movie thought the film would be unsuccessful. It gives many fun facts relating to the movie, its director, and actors/actress's. In June 2008 it was reported that "It Happened One Night" was number three in the list of Top Ten Romantic Comedy genre. In this article I feel it gives the ability to touch base with the cast and crew, their thoughts about the picture and typically their morals in a way. For example, Claudette Colbert refused to show her leg during the hitchhiking scene. But when a body double was cast for the shot, Colbert insisted on showing her leg because of the fact that the body double's leg was nothing like Colbert's. I love articles like these, I feel it gives the Actors/Actresses a voice, and in a sense voices their opinions which is why I chose the trivia section.
3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.
How did the article support or change the way you thought about the film, director, content,
etc.?
I Found the article very expressive. The article summed up the thoughts of the cast. I found that the director seemed to be very desperate to make this picture. Its said in the article of the link posted above that Director Frank Capra " promised he would double her salary and she would be done in four weeks." Her meaning Claudette Colbert. She disliked the film so much the article said that she didn't attend the Oscars because of her dislike towards the picture. I also found it very interesting that Claudette was the only actress out of three who accepted to play the role. As for the Male actor Clark Gable he didn't much care for the film either. The Article reportedly says on the first day of shooting Gable says "lets get this over with". I found irony in this article because of the fact it states that this particular film was the first Grand Slam at the Oscars, winning in several categories, Best Director, Best actor, etc. I thought this article was very knowledgeable and it makes me enjoy the film even more. Now if I ever see this film again, I can picture almost relate to the actors in a sense, because I know what they were thinking at the time.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film
I happened to enjoy the film "It Happened One Night" I thought the cast was amazing Claudette Colbert a beauty and Clark Gable playing the hero who falls in love was classic. their storyline and plot I feel did not drag along or unfold to slow. It kept me entertained and wanting to know what was going to happen next. I feel plots like this can still be related in today's films. I found it was amazing how the Production code came into play with some scenes. The dialogue was well written and did not have that staged feeling. For the 1930's I was not expecting the film to be that good being that it was the break through of Films with sound and the end of the Silent Film Era. I can now say that I see films from this time period differently and I can say, they don't make films like this anymore. I love how the article I chose explained the actors thoughts on the film and how pretty much the whole cast didn't have faith in the film succeeding. Overall "It Happened One Night" was an amazing film that would see again and shined a new light on films from that era for me.
CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM
1) (x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.
2) (x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.
3) (x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text.
4) (x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper.
5) (x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.
6) (x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.
7) (x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.
8) (x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.
Name: Erik L. Rivera Date: 2/26/2013
