Step into the charming world of 1930s detective comedy with “There’s Always a Woman,” a captivating screwball mystery from 1938, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by Alexander Hall, delivers a delightful blend of romance, comedy, and mystery as it follows a husband-and-wife detective duo competing to solve the same case. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Golden Age Hollywood’s lighter fare, this HD download brings a star-studded gem of cinematic history to your screen.
“There’s Always a Woman” centers on Bill and Sally Reardon, a married couple with a flair for detection and a penchant for playful competition. When Bill’s private detective agency fails to turn a profit, he decides to return to his old job as an investigator for the district attorney. However, his enterprising wife Sally has other plans.
Determined to keep the agency afloat, Sally takes on a case from a wealthy socialite, Lola Fraser, who suspects her husband of infidelity. What starts as a simple surveillance job quickly escalates into a full-blown murder investigation when Lola’s husband turns up dead. As Sally dives deeper into the case, she finds herself competing against her own husband, who’s been assigned to the same murder by the D.A.’s office.
The film sparkles with witty dialogue and comedic misunderstandings as the Reardons try to one-up each other while unraveling the mystery. Their competitive spirit and undeniable chemistry drive the plot forward, creating a perfect balance of laughs and suspense. As the case grows more complex, involving nightclub owners, jealous fiancés, and dangerous secrets, the Reardons must decide whether to work together or continue their marital battle of wits.
“There’s Always a Woman” features a talented ensemble:
Joan Blondell as Sally Reardon
Melvyn Douglas as Bill Reardon
Mary Astor as Lola Fraser
Frances Drake as Anne Calhoun
Jerome Cowan as Nick Shane
Robert Paige as Jerry Marlowe
Thurston Hall as District Attorney
“There’s Always a Woman” is a screwball mystery comedy that perfectly encapsulates the charm and wit of 1930s Hollywood. Its clever blend of marital comedy, detective story, and slapstick humor makes it a delightful example of the screwball genre popularized during this era.
Released in 1938, “There’s Always a Woman” came at the height of the screwball comedy craze in Hollywood. This genre, characterized by fast-paced dialogue, eccentric characters, and often a battle of the sexes, provided much-needed escapism during the later years of the Great Depression. The film’s portrayal of a working wife who’s just as capable (if not more so) than her husband also reflects the changing gender dynamics of the era.
This colorized version of “There’s Always a Woman” has been meticulously restored using cutting-edge digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the 1930s fashions, bustling city scenes, and intimate domestic settings.
The colorization enhances the visual appeal of the film’s art deco interiors, stylish costumes, and the glamorous world of 1930s high society. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s production design and costume work, which were integral to establishing its sophisticated yet comedic tone.
: Alexander Hall
: Gladys Lehman
: a story by Wilson Collison
: Henry Freulich
: Otto Meyer
: Morris Stoloff
: Columbia Pictures
: Columbia Pictures
: 86 minutes
: MP4
: HD (1080p)
: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
“There’s Always a Woman” was well-received upon its release, praised for its witty dialogue and the chemistry between Blondell and Douglas. The New York Times called it “one of the lightest and most engaging affairs of recent months” and “a ‘Thin Man’ of the lower-income brackets,” referencing the popular detective comedy series of the time.
While not as widely remembered as some of its contemporaries, the film has gained appreciation over the years for its clever script, strong performances, and its place in the screwball comedy canon. It spawned a sequel, “There’s That Woman Again” (1938), though with Virginia Bruce replacing Joan Blondell.
: Is “There’s Always a Woman” part of a series?
A: While it spawned one sequel, “There’s That Woman Again,” it didn’t become an ongoing series.
: How does the colorized version enhance the viewing experience?
A: The colorization brings out the rich details of 1930s fashion and decor, making the film’s setting more vivid for modern viewers.
: Who are the main stars of “There’s Always a Woman”?
A: The film stars Joan Blondell as Sally Reardon and Melvyn Douglas as Bill Reardon.
: What makes this film a “screwball comedy”?
A: Its fast-paced dialogue, battle-of-the-sexes plot, and mix of sophisticated wit with slapstick elements are hallmarks of the screwball genre.
: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime is 86 minutes, perfect for a breezy evening’s entertainment.
Experience the Wit and Mystery of “There’s Always a Woman” Today!