Introduction Bringing Up Baby
"Bringing Up Baby", a classic American comedy film from 1938, was written by Dudley Nichols and directed by Howard Hawks. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Margaret Culkin Banning, which was published in 1929. The story follows David Huxley, a prim and proper paleontologist who has just become engaged to the refined and beautiful Susan Vance. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a free-spirited and eccentric woman named Tracy Lord, played by Katharine Hepburn. Tracy is on her way to marry a wealthy man, but she becomes infatuated with David and sets out to win him over. The movie explores themes of love, class, and identity in the midst of the Great Depression. It also pokes fun at the social conventions and snobbery of the time, particularly through its portrayal of Tracy Lord's family, who are wealthy but morally loose. "Bringing Up Baby" is notable not only for its witty dialogue and charming performances, but also for its innovative filmmaking techniques. The movie was shot in Technicolor, a new technology at the time that allowed for vibrant colors on screen. It also features a memorable finale involving a leopard, which has become an iconic moment in cinema history. Overall, "Bringing Up Baby" is a timeless comedy classic that continues to delight audiences with its clever writing, charming characters, and memorable plot twists.
Plot and Themes Bringing Up Baby
"Bringing Up Baby" is a 1938 American comedy film directed by Howard Hawks. The story follows David Huxley (Cary Grant), a paleontologist who becomes entangled in a series of misadventures with Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn), the owner of a mischievous pet chimpanzee named Charlotte. The plot centers around David's attempts to care for Charlotte, which leads to chaos and destruction. Meanwhile, David is also trying to win back his fiancée, Elizabeth, who has left him for another man. As David navigates these relationships, he finds himself falling in love with Susan despite the challenges they face together. Themes of the movie include: 1. Love: The film explores the complexities of romantic love and how it can bring out the best and worst qualities in people. 2. Responsibility: David's struggles to care for Charlotte serve as a metaphor for the responsibilities that come with adult life, including relationships and childcare. 3. Class Differences: The characters' social status is an underlying theme throughout the movie. Susan's unconventional lifestyle and lack of wealth contrast with David's more traditional background. 4. Chaos vs. Order: The chaos caused by Charlotte serves as a symbol for the unpredictability of life and the challenges people face in maintaining order and structure. Overall, "Bringing Up Baby" is a charming and witty romantic comedy that explores themes of love, responsibility, class differences, and chaos vs. order through its unique and entertaining storyline.
Performance and Direction Bringing Up Baby
"Bringing Up Baby" (1938) is a screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks, starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. The movie follows the story of David Huxley, a paleontologist who agrees to marry to secure funding for his museum, only to find himself falling in love with the free-spirited Susan Vance. Cary Grant's performance as David Huxley is exceptional. He brings a sense of vulnerability and awkwardness to the character that makes him relatable and endearing. His timing is impeccable, and he delivers his lines with perfect comedic flair. Grant's chemistry with Katharine Hepburn is undeniable, and their banter is some of the most memorable moments in the film. Katharine Hepburn's performance as Susan Vance is also noteworthy. She brings a sense of energy and spontaneity to the character that makes her feel alive and authentic. Her comedic timing is spot-on, and she delivers many of the film's funniest lines with ease. Hepburn's chemistry with Grant is equally undeniable, and their romantic tension is palpable throughout the movie. Howard Hawks' direction is also noteworthy. He brings a sense of visual flair to the film, using vibrant colors and creative camera angles to bring the story to life. His use of long takes and overlapping dialogue adds to the film's sense of realism, making the characters feel more like real people than fictional constructs. One notable aspect of Hawks' direction is his use of character development. He spends a significant amount of time developing both David and Susan as individuals before bringing them together, which makes their romance all the more believable and satisfying. Another noteworthy aspect of "Bringing Up Baby" is its pacing. The movie moves at a rapid clip, with barely any downtime between scenes. This adds to the film's sense of energy and keeps the viewer engaged throughout. Overall, "Bringing Up Baby" is a masterpiece of screwball comedy that showcases exceptional performances from Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. Howard Hawks' direction brings the story to life in a way that feels both visually stunning and emotionally authentic. The movie is a must-see for fans of classic comedies.
Technical Aspects Bringing Up Baby
The 1938 screwball comedy "Bringing Up Baby" was a groundbreaking film in many ways, particularly in terms of its technical innovations. Here are some key examples: 1. **Cinematography**: The film's use of shadows and lighting is noteworthy. Cinematographer Alfred Gilks used deep shadows to create a sense of mystery and to highlight the characters' emotions. He also employed a technique called "high-contrast" photography, where dark areas are almost black while bright areas are extremely white. 2. **Sound Design**: The sound design in "Bringing Up Baby" is relatively primitive compared to modern standards, but it's still impressive for its time. For example, the film features extensive use of ambient noise (such as the sounds of trains and traffic) to create a sense of realism. 3. **Visual Effects**: One memorable visual effect is when David Huxley (Cary Grant) finds himself trapped inside a suitcase filled with baby dinosaurs. This was achieved by having Grant perform in front of a green screen, which allowed for the addition of the dinosaur animation later on. 4. **Editing**: The film's editing style, handled by Ellsworth J. Davis and Harry Reynolds, is notable for its rapid pace. They used quick cuts to create a sense of energy and chaos, particularly during the scenes where David Huxley is trying to navigate his way through various situations involving Susie Murphy (Katharine Hepburn). 5. **Color Grading**: "Bringing Up Baby" was one of the first films to use Technicolor, a color film process that allowed for vibrant colors on screen. The film's bright reds and greens are particularly noteworthy. In conclusion, "Bringing Up Baby" is a groundbreaking comedy that showcased many technical innovations in its time. From Alfred Gilks' creative use of shadows and lighting to the extensive use of ambient noise in the sound design, this film continues to stand out as an example of early filmmaking ingenuity.
More Details Bringing Up Baby
"Bringing Up Baby" (1938) is a screwball comedy film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. The film is often considered one of the greatest comedies of all time. **Cast:** * Katharine Hepburn as Susan Vance * Cary Grant as David Huxley * Charles Coburn as Major Applegate * Walter Matthau as Dr. Lyman * Barry Fitzgerald as George * May Robson as Mrs. Agnes Porter * Leona Roberts as Mrs. Lydia Porter **Production Companies:** * RKO Radio Pictures * Howard Hawks Productions **Trivia:** 1. **Katharine Hepburn's "breakthrough" role:** "Bringing Up Baby" was Katharine Hepburn's first major comedy role, and it cemented her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. 2. **Cary Grant's "Breakout" performance:** Cary Grant's performance as David Huxley is often cited as one of his best, showcasing his charm and comedic timing. 3. **Script development:** The script was written by Dudley Nichols based on a story by Hagar Wilde and Eleanore Griffin. It underwent several revisions before filming began. 4. **Location shooting:** Some scenes were filmed on location in California's Central Coast region, including Big Sur and Monterey County. 5. **Leopard's performance:** The leopard that appears throughout the film was actually a trained feline named Baby. The animal trainer used various methods to train the leopard, including feeding it treats through a chute and allowing it to eat its own food at times. 6. **Cary Grant's iconic suit:** Cary Grant wore a bespoke Savile Row suit for his character, which became an iconic part of his image in the film. 7. **Katharine Hepburn's wardrobe:** Katharine Hepburn chose her own outfits for the film and worked closely with the costume designer to ensure that her characters' dresses were both stylish and practical. 8. **Howard Hawks' direction:** Howard Hawks was known for his meticulous approach to directing, and he often used a stopwatch during filming to ensure that scenes were shot within a specific time frame. 9. **Sound recording:** The film's sound recording process was innovative at the time, as it involved using a synchronized soundtrack with music and dialogue. 10. **Awards and recognition:** "Bringing Up Baby" received critical acclaim upon its release in 1938 and has since become a classic of American cinema. It is often included on lists of the greatest comedies of all time. 11. **Influence on other films:** The film's influence can be seen in many subsequent screwball comedies, including "His Girl Friday" (1940) and "Some Like It Hot" (1959). 12. **Home video releases:** "Bringing Up Baby" has been released on DVD and Blu-ray several times, with special features such as commentaries from film scholars and behind-the-scenes footage. Overall, "Bringing Up Baby" is a timeless comedy classic that continues to delight audiences today. Its clever script, memorable characters, and iconic performances make it a must-see for anyone interested in the art of comedy filmmaking.
Conclusion Bringing Up Baby
"Bringing Up Baby", directed by Howard Hawks, is a classic romantic comedy that explores themes of love, identity, and responsibility. The film's greatest strength lies in its witty dialogue and comedic timing, which makes the characters feel real and relatable. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn have undeniable chemistry on screen, making their romance believable and captivating. One of the most memorable aspects of the movie is its humor. The film's script is full of clever one-liners and situational comedy that still holds up today. The way Hawks balances slapstick humor with sophisticated wit makes for a unique viewing experience. On the other hand, some viewers may find the pacing to be slow at times or the plot overly simplistic. Additionally, the character development could have been more nuanced - while Grant's David is charming, Hepburn's Susan feels somewhat one-dimensional. Despite these minor flaws, "Bringing Up Baby" remains a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. Its charm lies in its ability to balance humor and romance with a dash of adventure. The film's iconic moments, such as the famous leopard scene, continue to delight audiences today. In conclusion, while it may not be perfect, "Bringing Up Baby" is a masterclass in comedy filmmaking that showcases Grant and Hepburn at their best. Its enduring appeal lies in its clever writing, memorable performances, and timeless themes of love and responsibility. If you're looking for a classic romantic comedy with plenty of laughs, look no further than "Bringing Up Baby".