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

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

3. 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 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.

4. IHON Influence: The Screwball Comedy
New American Genre
Heyday
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

5. 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