It Happened One Night Studying the effects of the Hays Code and the Studio System on Hollywood

It Happened One Night Starring: Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert Directed by: Frank Capra Studio: Columbia

Studio System Influence According to legend, Clark Gable was loaned to Columbia Pictures, then considered a minor studio, as punishment for refusing a role at his own studio; However, this has been refuted by more recent biographies. MGM did not have a project ready for Gable and was paying him $2,000 per week, under his contract, to do nothing. Louis B. Mayer loaned him to Columbia for $2500 per week, making a $500 per week profit. Frank Capra became a director for Columbia in 1924 and continued as one of their major directors through the 40s Colbert signed a contract with Paramount in 1928, She was VERY successful, so 1933, Colbert renegotiated her contract with Paramount to allow her to appear in films for other studios, thus allowing her to appear in IHON. Due to her success in IHON, she was able to renegotiate her contract, raising her salary.

IHON Influence: The Screwball Comedy New American Genre Heyday 1934-1945 Essentially a love story Main characters: Comedic, romantic couple Glamorous but wacky Often initially hostile towards each other—trying to outwit one another Much of the comedy comes from the fact that the characters think they are serious-they don’t realize that they are funny Seemingly opposites but obviously “made for eachother” Sometimes one is married/engaged to someone who is no good for them More realistic and collaborative than slapstick Snappy dialogue-wit and speed Sentimental, sappy speeches meant to deceive Story premise often absurd with many plot twists and turns that snowball out of control

While We Watch…observe and record 1. The film’s persistent sexuality and its creativity in adhering to the Hays Code including “Walls of Jericho” in symbol and practice 2. Consideration of the film’s role in establishing the genre of the romantic comedy film (what conventions do you notice that are still in romantic comedies today?) 3. Establishment of the cultural, economic, and political context of IHON, including the Depression and class issues 4. How the film develops ideas around gender, genre, sexuality, and class. 5. The use of studio sets and how the film highlights and develops the stardom of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert