Wedding Present
A witty newsroom romance capturing Cary Grant just before his breakthrough to superstardom.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
Featured quote
“An essential transitional performance showing the complete emergence of Cary Grant's sophisticated comic persona.”
Introduction
A sophisticated newsroom comedy that showcases Grant's rapidly maturing screen persona.
The Story
Two competitive reporters struggle to balance ambition, marriage, and personal happiness. Charlie Mason and Rusty Fleming discover that partnership matters more than professional rivalry.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Richard Wallace emphasizes natural performances while Paramount provides polished production values.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant's effortless wit, timing, and charm are nearly fully formed.
Richard Wallace's Direction & Themes
Themes of partnership, communication, and balancing career with love.
Historical Context
Part of the golden age of newsroom comedies and produced just before Grant's breakthrough.
Legacy & Influence
A valuable bridge between Grant's early studio work and his legendary classics.
Gallery
Production & release
Early 1936
Development begins.
Development begins.
Summer 1936
Principal photography.
Principal photography.
October 23, 1936
Release.
Release.
1937
The Awful Truth launches Grant to stardom.
The Awful Truth launches Grant to stardom.
Today
Recognized as a key transitional film.
Recognized as a key transitional film.
Cast.
Joan Bennett as Monica 'Rusty' Fleming
Cary Grant as Charlie Mason
George Bancroft as Pete Stagg
Conrad Nagel as Roger Dodacker
Gene Lockhart as Archduke Gustav Ernest
William Demarest as 'Smiles' Benson
Inez Courtney as Mary Lawson
Other studies.
Cary Grant delivers one of the most compassionate performances of his career as Dr. Noah Praetorius, an unconventional physician whose humanity is tested by prejudice, rumor, and institutional politics.
Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn create one of cinema's most elegant romantic mysteries—a thrilling game of deception, danger, and unexpected love.