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The Awful Truth

Play trailer Poster for The Awful Truth 1937 1h 30m Comedy Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 31 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Jerry (Cary Grant) and Lucy (Irene Dunne) are a married couple who doubt each other's fidelity: Jerry suspects Lucy and her music teacher (Alexander D'Arcy) of spending an evening together, and Lucy is convinced Jerry lied about a business trip. When the jealous pair file for divorce, both rush into new relationships, but quickly realize their love never died. The soon-to-be-divorced husband and wife then both scramble to spoil each other's chances for newfound romance.
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Critics Consensus

Great comic direction by Leo McCarrey and memorable onscreen chemistry from stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne make this screwball comedy a charmer.

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Critics Reviews

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Otis Ferguson The New Republic May 7, 2024
It is quite grown up, and even the hotter passions are endured with consideration and suavity; at the same time it has an innocent zest for the homely that makes you think back to Capra again. Go to Full Review Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune Apr 12, 2018
This is Grant's first truly remarkable performance, morphing a romantic leading man into a suave, impish clown. Go to Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader May 27, 2008
Leo McCarey's largely improvised 1937 film is one of the funniest of the screwball comedies, and also one of the most serious at heart. Go to Full Review Sue Heal Radio Times May 30, 2024
5/5
This is a wonderful example of Cary Grant at his screwball comic best, playing one half of a sniping, divorcing couple who trade insults like gunfire and seek to spoil each other's future plans. Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Jul 24, 2020
9/10
It's so outrageously funny that the bitterness never sets in, marking this as one of the most lighthearted bouts of mudslinging in screwball comedy history. Go to Full Review Ann Ross Maclean's Magazine Jul 19, 2019
A wonderfully smooth blend of lively acting, bright dialogue, witty direction and hearty slapstick. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Horror fan 4 @Horrorfan4life Jun 29, 2026 Just another prime example of why Cary Grant is one of the best actors of All-time. His comedic timing is just as good as other greats like Lesley Nielsen or Charlie Sheen. The characters are great the performances were terrific. Great seeing a young Ralph Bellamy in one of his earlier roles. This movie deserved the 6 Oscar nominations. Tim Treakle See more Patrick S @PatrickStruik Jan 2, 2026 A screwball comedy masterpiece. See more Leaburn O @RT35452347 Oct 24, 2025 Screwball marriage turns sour in comic fashion. This is fun with two witty leads on fine form. Watched on Amazon Prime. See more Tom M @RT77934561 Oct 21, 2025 You've got to admit, there were a lot of funny ladies in the heyday of Hollywood. None more so than Irene Dunne who whoops it up big time with Cary Grant. She's irresistible, whether getting in digs to her soon to be ex husband or trying to lampoon a very silly song and dance routine. This is a great example of the screwball comedy from two absolute masters of the genre. See more Mark B @Mbindon Sep 9, 2024 This is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. The chemistry of Cary Grant and Irene Dunn is fantastic. I had such a great time watching this movie. See more Mark B @SRT102 Mar 20, 2024 This film has really held up. It's hard to believe it's over 85 years old. The characters have almost no development or backstory -- we don't know how Cary Grant's Jerry Warriner got wealthy, nor do we really care, because Grant and Dunne have such tangible screen chemistry, and we just follow along. (#444 in my "watch all Best Picture Nominees" bucket list) See more Read all reviews
The Awful Truth

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Cast & Crew

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Leo McCarey

Director

Irene Dunne

Lucy Warriner

Cary Grant

Jerry Warriner

Ralph Bellamy

Daniel "Dan" Leeson

Alex D'Arcy

Armand Duvalle

Cecil Cunningham

Aunt Patsy

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The Awful Truth

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Movie Info

Synopsis Jerry (Cary Grant) and Lucy (Irene Dunne) are a married couple who doubt each other's fidelity: Jerry suspects Lucy and her music teacher (Alexander D'Arcy) of spending an evening together, and Lucy is convinced Jerry lied about a business trip. When the jealous pair file for divorce, both rush into new relationships, but quickly realize their love never died. The soon-to-be-divorced husband and wife then both scramble to spoil each other's chances for newfound romance.
Director
Leo McCarey
Producer
Leo McCarey
Screenwriter
Viña Delmar, Arthur Richman, Sidney Buchman
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre
Comedy, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 21, 1937, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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