The Palm Beach Story (1942)

An inventor needs cash to develop his big idea, so his adoring wife decides to raise it by divorcing him and marrying a millionaire.

Director:

Preston Sturges

Writer:

Preston Sturges

Stars:

Claudette Colbert, Joel McCrea, Mary Astor

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Claudette Colbert	...	Gerry Jeffers
Joel McCrea	...	Tom Jeffers
Mary Astor	...	The Princess Centimillia
Rudy Vallee	...	J.D. Hackensacker III
Sig Arno	...	Toto
Robert Warwick	...	Mr. Hinch
Arthur Stuart Hull	...	Mr. Osmond
Torben Meyer	...	Dr. Kluck
Jimmy Conlin	...	Mr. Asweld
Victor Potel	...	Mr. McKeewie
William Demarest	...	First Member Ale and Quail Club
Jack Norton	...	Second Member Ale and Quail Club
Robert Greig	...	Third Member Ale and Quail Club
Roscoe Ates	...	Fourth Member Ale and Quail Club (as Rosco Ates)
Dewey Robinson	...	Fifth Member Ale and Quail Club

Storyline

Gerry and Tom Jeffers are finding married life hard. Tom is an inventor/ architect and there is little money for them to live on. They are about to be thrown out of their apartment when Gerry meets rich businessman being shown around as a prospective tenant. He gives Gerry $700 to start life afresh but Tom refuses to believe her story and they quarrel. Gerry decides the marriage is over and heads to Palm Beach for a quick divorce but Tom has plans to stop her.

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Plot Keywords:

millionaire | inventor | twin | palm beach florida | screwball comedy | 

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Taglines:

Love is fickle! Love is is blind! She runs 'round the country...with him behind! (print ad - Lubbock Avalanche Journal - Midway Theatre - Lubbock, Texas - May 5, 1945)

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Did You Know?

Trivia

Included among the American Film Institute's 2000 list of the Top 100 Funniest American Movies.

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Goofs

When John finally introduces himself to Gerry, he is holding his book up, but in the next cut it is in his lap.

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Quotes

Gerry Jeffers: [shopping for clothes, trying another outfit with long white gloves] Do you like this one?
John D. Hackensacker III: Oh its lovely - but aren't the sleeves a little short?
Sales Clerk: [heavy French accent] Oh that is for the bracelet Monsieur - that is what we call the bracelet length.
John D. Hackensacker III: Oh - would you like a bracelet?
Gerry Jeffers: [Sales clerk nudges her] Wha... what kind of a bracelet do you mean?
John D. Hackensacker III: Any kind you like.
Gerry Jeffers: You mean with stones?
Sales Clerk: Certainly with stones, they are all the rage!
John D. Hackensacker III: Why not, what kind of stones do you like?
Gerry Jeffers: Well...
[...]

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Crazy Credits

While the opening credits are running a prequel story about the two leads wedding is being shown that is only hinted at in the last few minutes of the movie and the words, "And they lived happily ever after...or did they?". The movie comes full circle at the end to another wedding with the the same phrase "And they lived happily ever after...or did they?"

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Connections

References Love Me Tonight (1932)

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Soundtracks

Isn't It Romantic?
(1932) (uncredited)
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Music by Richard Rodgers
Sung by Rudy Vallee during ballroom sequence

User Reviews

Zany, madcap romp!

This little jewel is a madcap romp in the mold of "The Philadelphia Story." Preston Sturges' impressive direction is just light enough to keep things hopping and technically savvy to pull off the zaniness.

There's a lot to like about this movie: the dialogue is both snappy and witty, the costumes are eye-catching, and the acting is inspired.

Now admittedly, a willing suspension of belief and even a temporary romantic bent does help one to enjoy this movie thoroughly. But this is a great result from a delightful blend of Sturges, Colbert and McCrea. (Ah, and the wonderful Mary Astor shines brightly as well).

Of course like many "forget the raging war" films, this one benefits from lots of anachronistic concentration. You almost have to park away the 21st Century to really get the fullest effect of "The Palm Beach Story." So Tune in, turn off the phone and ignore the Blackberry, and enjoy.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 January 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Palm Beach Story

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

GBP438,200

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1