Twentieth Century

Twentieth Century
Directed by Howard Hawks
1934/USA
Columbia Pictures Corporation
Second Viewing

Oscar Jaffe worms his way into Lily Garland’s Heart

Theater empresario and master manipulator Oscar Jaffe (John Barrymore) discovers lingerie model Mildred Plotka (Carole Lombard), changes her name to Lily Garland, and bullies her into stardom. They become lovers but his posturing and possessiveness finally drive her away to Hollywood. They meet again on the Twentieth Century Limited, which is taking Oscar from Chicago to New York after a flop and Lily from Hollywood to New York where she has signed to work with another director. The fireworks continue on the train as Oscar seizes on Lily as his last chance to get the financing he needs to save his theater.

Oscar Jaffe: I’m offering you a last chance to become immortal.
Lily Garland, aka Mildred Plotka: Then I’ve decided to stay mortal with responsible management.

This early screwball comedy, written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, is a lot of fun. Barrymore is especially good as the totally phony and ultra-flamboyant producer. Carole Lombard starts out sane and builds to a fever pitch of diva-itis after her character becomes a Hollywood star. Roscoe Karns and Walter Connelly are excellent as Oscar’s assistants.

When we get the two characters emoting at full blast on the train, the histrionics can go straight over the top  but, even in those scenes,  there is the wry humor of the assistants to enjoy.  Separately both Barrymore and Lombard are hilarious.  I can imagine that John Barrymore had a grand time sending up theatrical producers.  I loved those crazy chalk marks on the floor and the whole concept of putting on the Passion Play on Broadway complete with camels and an ibis.

Clip – “Anathema, child of Satan!