You can't take it with you (1938) & The Lady Eve (1941)

What can I say about You can't take it with you directed by Frank Capra starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur and of course, Lionel Barrymore? It's a delight, that's for sure, and somehow someone compared it to Romeo & Juliet. Well, more of a screwball comedy version if anything. 

James Stewart plays Tony Kirby (what a name) who's in love with Jean Arthur's Alice Sycamore. The pair seem to get along quite well, while their families don't. The Kirby's are a rich high-brow banking family who are intent in buying an entire area that houses a lot of families. One of those families are of course the Sycamores' who are much established in the area, or at least, the grandfather played by Lionel Barrymore is. He's the sort of gentleman who stopped working when he found out he wasn't happy with his job, instead pursuing things that did make him happy, which is what his family lives by. The Kirby's by contrast care more about their name, besides, of course, money. 

The themes aren't something unfamiliar in this day and age. This is the sort of thing we see time and time again, more or less, though society itself rewards people more for being greedy suits. I wouldn't be surprised if this film were to be remade at some point. It's just the sort of thing to happen, but I'd give this a whirl. 

The Lady Eve, I saw for the second time, though it had been a while. I'd forgotten how utterly charming this film is. It stars Henry Fonda playing Charles Pike who's the heir to a brewery fortune, and who boards a cruise ship. There he meets Jean Harrington played by Barbara Stanwyck who's on the opposite end, as she's the daughter of a swindler, and more or less a swindler herself. She sets her eye on Charles with the intent of seducing him, but she winds up falling hopelessly in love with his as well. Things take a turn, as his watchful bodyguard has a bad feeling about her and her father. 

The chemistry between the pair is undeniable and Barbara Stanwyck is just amazing in this role. You don't really see these kinds of roles for women these days, certainly not in this manner, and as screwball comedies goes it is hysterical. Worth a watch if you enjoy romantic comedies.