Love stories have captivated audiences since ancient times, and Hollywood in the 1930s was a hub of enchantment. It was an era of unrivaled splendor for American cinema, and the silver screen was graced with a plethora of delightful romantic comedies. These films drew inspiration from the world of theater and dazzled viewers with extravagant musical spectacles. Consequently, a constellation of actors skyrocketed to fame, thanks to these extraordinary ’30s rom-coms.
When pondering the most marvelous romantic comedy of the 1930s, one contender that steals hearts is City Lights, starring the legendary Charlie Chaplin. In a time when talkies reigned supreme, Chaplin fearlessly chose to keep this cinematic gem silent, showcasing his timeless genius. Another luminary deserving mention is the incomparable Lucille Ball, renowned not only for her iconic role in I Love Lucy but also for her spellbinding performance in the 1935 film Top Hat. Frank Capra’s You Can’t Take It with You has also defied the passage of time, delivering a side-splitting twist on love and the complexities of family dynamics. My Man Godfrey and Trouble in Paradise also grace this illustrious list of ’30s romantic comedies, enchanting audiences with their sheer brilliance.
Now, let the magic unfold as you take center stage! Share your adoration for your favorite films by showering them with applause and be sure to recommend any other delightful movies that may have been inadvertently overlooked.
(Note: For the purpose of this discussion, we shall respectfully refrain from delving into the polarizing Café Metropole.)
1. It Happened One Night
Frank Capra’s famous romantic comedy tells the story of Ellie Andrews, a wealthy and spoiled heiress who impulsively ties the knot with the cunning King Westley. Concerned about his daughter’s hasty decision, Ellie’s tycoon father takes her on his yacht to separate her from her new husband. However, Ellie decides to escape and ends up crossing paths with Peter Warne, a cynical newspaper reporter. In a surprising turn of events, Peter offers to assist Ellie in reuniting with her husband, but only if she agrees to give him an exclusive story. As they embark on their journey together, the hardened reporter unexpectedly finds himself falling for the spirited young heiress.
Released: 1934
Directed by: Frank Capra
Actors: Claudette Colbert, Clark Gable, Walter Connolly
2. Bringing Up Baby
Harried paleontologist David Huxley, played by the charming Cary Grant, finds himself in a bit of a pickle. He’s desperately trying to impress Mrs. Random, a fancy society matron who might just donate a cool million dollars to his museum. Talk about pressure!
But just when Huxley thought things couldn’t get any more chaotic, he crosses paths with Susan Vance, Mrs. Random’s spirited young niece. Played by the incredible Katharine Hepburn, Susan is a wild and unpredictable adventurer who instantly becomes smitten with the straight-laced scientist.
And, oh boy, does the chaos start to escalate from there. We’re talking missing dinosaur bones, people! As if that weren’t enough, there’s even a pet leopard thrown into the mix. Yeah, you read that right – a freakin’ leopard!
All this madness threatens to consume poor Huxley entirely. With his wedding just around the corner, he’s got a whole lot on his plate. Can he navigate this outrageous mess and still manage to make a good impression on Mrs. Random? You’ll have to watch to find out!
Released: 1938
Directed by: Howard Hawks
Actors: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charlie Ruggles
3. Holiday
Johnny, played by Cary Grant, appears to be a suitable partner for Julia, portrayed by Doris Nolan. She is the socialite daughter of Edward Seton, played by Henry Kolker. Edward, convinced that Johnny is a deserving suitor, gives his approval for the couple. However, as Johnny’s desire for adventure becomes evident – his interest lies more in traveling than in business – Edward starts to question his initial judgment. Simultaneously, Johnny himself begins to consider whether he may be better suited for Linda, Julia’s outspoken younger sister, who shares many common interests with him.
Released: 1938
Directed by: George Cukor
Actors: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Doris Nolan
4. Ninotchka
Nina Ivanovna, also known as “Ninotchka” Yakushova, is a straightforward and no-nonsense diplomat from the Soviet Union. She has a mission in Paris: to ensure the sale of jewels that were seized during the Russian Revolution. On the other hand, we have Count Leon d’Algout, a carefree bachelor who is trying to intercept those precious gems for their previous owner, the Grand Duchess Swana.
Despite their opposing loyalties and conflicting interests, something unexpected happens. The icy and reserved Ninotchka begins to warm up to Leon’s charms. It’s a surprising turn of events as she finds herself going against her own better judgment.
Released: 1939
Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch
Actors: Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire
5. My Man Godfrey
Fifth Avenue socialite Irene Bullock is on a mission to win a scavenger hunt and she’s in desperate need of a “forgotten man.” Enter Godfrey Park, a resident of a run-down place near the East River who perfectly fits the bill. Irene decides to hire Godfrey as a servant for her eccentric family, much to the annoyance of her entitled sister, Cornelia. Determined to oust Godfrey from his newfound position, Cornelia tries everything she can to get him fired. Meanwhile, as Irene finds herself falling for her new butler, Godfrey seizes the opportunity to turn the tables and teach the frivolous Bullock family a thing or two.
Released: 1936
Directed by: Gregory La Cava
Actors: William Powell, Carol Lombard, Alice Brady
6. Nothing Sacred
Hazel Flagg, played by Carole Lombard, thought she was dying from radium poisoning. However, she receives some relieving news from her doctor that it was just a false alarm. But things take an interesting turn when Wally Cook, a charming and desperate reporter from New York City, arrives and starts looking for a story about a young girl courageously facing a terminal illness. Suddenly, Hazel decides to play sick again.
Wally, played by Fredric March, takes Hazel to Manhattan where her supposed bravery captures the attention and admiration of many. She becomes the talk of the town, basking in her newfound fame. Amidst all this attention, Hazel finds herself falling in love with Wally, while also fearing what might happen if her secret is uncovered.
Released: 1937
Directed by: William A. Wellman
Actors: Carol Lombard, Fredric March, Charles Winninger
7. Top Hat
The story revolves around Dale Tremont, a rich woman enjoying her vacation in both London and Venice. She mistakenly believes that Jerry Travers, an American performer, is married to her friend Madge. Little does she know, Madge is actually married to Horace Hardwick, Jerry’s business manager.
Released: 1935
Directed by: Mark Sandrich
Actors: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton
8. Libeled Lady
A major newspaper accuses socialite Connie Allenbury of wrecking homes and she’s not happy about it. So, she decides to take legal action by filing a massive libel lawsuit. The poor head editor of the publication, Warren Haggerty, finds himself in a tight spot. He needs to figure out how to turn the tables on Connie and fast. Luckily, he’s got some help from his fiancée, Gladys Benton, and his charming friend, Bill Chandler. Together, they hatch a plan to discredit Connie, and let’s just say it leads to some hilarious and totally unexpected outcomes.
Released: 1936
Directed by: Jack Conway
Actors: Jean Harlow, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy
9. Bachelor Mother
Polly Paris, played by Ginger Rogers, finds herself unexpectedly thrust into motherhood when she happens upon an abandoned baby at an orphanage. Thinking that the baby might actually be hers, she catches the attention of J.B. Merlin, the owner of a department store, portrayed by Charles Coburn, and his son David, played by David Niven. They make Polly an offer: a job opportunity, on one condition – she must take responsibility for the child. With no job and a desperate need for employment, Polly reluctantly agrees, and everything seems fine… until her blossoming romance with David starts to raise doubts about the baby’s true parentage.
Released: 1939
Directed by: Garson Kanin
Actors: Ginger Rogers, David Niven, Charles Coburn
10. Trouble in Paradise
Thief Gaston Monescu and pickpocket Lily are not just partners in crime, but also in love. They both work for Mariette Colet, an executive at a perfume company. One day, they come up with a cunning plan to use their criminal skills to rob Mariette. Gaston, who goes by the name Monsieur Laval, takes advantage of his role as Mariette’s personal secretary to get closer to her. However, things take an unexpected turn when Gaston finds himself falling head over heels for Mariette. Now, he’s faced with a difficult decision: should he choose Mariette or stay loyal to Lily?
Released: 1932
Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch
Actors: Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis, Herbert Marshall
11. You Can’t Take It With You
Sweet-natured Alice Sycamore, played by Jean Arthur, finds herself falling for the charming Tony Kirby, son of a banker, portrayed by James Stewart. However, things take an interesting turn when Alice decides to introduce her snooty potential in-laws to her peculiar extended family. This eccentric bunch includes her philosophical grandfather Martin Vanderhof, played by Lionel Barrymore, her hapless sister Essie, who dreams of becoming a ballerina and is played by Ann Miller, and her father Paul, a passionate fireworks enthusiast portrayed by Samuel S. Hinds. It remains to be seen whether the Kirbys, known for their conservative nature, will be able to handle the quirkiness of the Sycamores.
Released: 1938
Directed by: Frank Capra
Actors: Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart
