8. The Lady Eve

Three con artists, Jean Harrington (Barbara Stanwyck), her father Colonel Harrington, and his partner Gerald aboard a cruise ship set their sights on the heir of millions. What they don’t count on is that Jean falls for the bumbling soon-to-be millionaire Charles Pike (Henry Fonda).

Jean tries to keep Charles from finding out about their schemes, but as she falls more in love with him, the more she feels guilty about lying to him.

Eventually Charles finds out about Jean and her scheming ways and dumps her. Jean doesn’t go away however, when she learns that there is a party with the wealthy in Connecticut and Charles will be there, Jean disguises herself as Lady Eve Sidwich. At the party Charles is taken aback by “Lady Eve’s” beauty and is head over heels for her. They soon marry, and Charles can’t shake the feeling that Eve might be Jean…

An absolute winning screwball comedy by master director Preston Sturges (Sullivan’s Travels). The film is whip smart, funny and a master class in comedy by Stanwyck. She’s easy on the eyes and easy to fall in love with. Up to the challenge as well is lovable Fonda, who plays a bumbling fool all too well.

I had never seen The Lady Eve, I bought solely on the star power of Stanwyck and Sturges. I have now watched it three times in a matter of months, catching new jokes, new character nuances and overall, just appreciating one of the best comedies ever.

The Lady Eve arrives on The Criterion Collection with a sparkling new transfer. Although the text that accompanies the disc says that they had to source the film from a Universal Studios 35mm fine-grain master positive, as it was the best element to scan, it looks awesome. Some mild softness can be found, but I did check a streaming version of this film and I can say that the Criterion release knocked it out of the park.

The Lady Eve speaks its mind with a crystal-clear mono track. No hissing, cracks or pops, this movie sounds great. Which is so important as the dialogue is first rate and needs to be heard.

The Lady Eve crashes the party with a great amount of features that are worth your time to watch.

Introduction by Peter Bogdanovich

Commentary by Film Scholar Marian Keane

Tom Sturges and Friends: The son of the acclaimed director sits down on video conference with some of familiar movie fans, like Leonard Maltin, and Ron Shelton to name a few.

The Lady Deceives: Film critic David Cairns discusses the film.

Costume Designs by Edith Head: A look at the costuming in the film.

Lux Radio Theatre Presentation: Stanwyk reprises her role for the radio.

Up the Amazon: the opening number from the musical based on The Lady Eve.

Trailer and Essay

The Lady Eve is one of the best comedies ever. You would be foolish to not pick up this gem of a release by The Criterion Collection.

Film: A+

Video: A

Audio: A

Extras: A

Overall: A