It Happened One Night (1934)

Directed by Frank Capra

It Happened One Night is one of the most recognized comedy films in history, and has remained popular since the advent of sound in motion pictures. It is the first film to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay), something only two other films have ever accomplished. However, it is the only one of the three which is comedic, which is all the more impressive. Frank Capra would go on to direct such classics as It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He was awarded two more Best Director awards over his illustrious career, which spanned nearly 30 years including a stint in the US Army during World War Two. He is still considered one of the greatest directors of all time. Clark Gable went on to have a huge career of his own, starring in 60 films over 30 years. The sheer weight of these names and accomplishments are too much ignore; this film deserves all the recognition it gets nearly a decade later.

The heiress taking control of the hitchhiking situation

Perhaps what most helps It Happened One Night stand the test of time is the fact that it pioneered a now staple film genre: the romantic comedy, specifically the "screwball" romantic comedy. The screwball comedy is characterized by a very strong female challenging the male lead and dominating the relationship. The mismatched pair in It Happened One Night fits this perfectly; a controlling and overbearing heiress travelling with a news reporter who is stubborn in his own right, causing constant argument. It is this initial friction that eventually endears the audience when the couple ends up together.

Another major trait of this genre is the theme of escape and travel. The plot cannot be moved along without the characters doing the same, and the entire plot is essentially the heiress' trip from Miami to New York City. The fact that the heiress made this trek for her own happiness even while sacrificing personal well-being is what tied the film into the Depression values that were captivating audiences of the time.

In a time when so many were struggling, films that emphasized class struggle but still had a happy ending were exceedingly popular with audiences. Having a rich heiress learn humility appealed to many in the lower class, and in one famous scene a mother faints from malnourishment but remains happy with her friends and family around here. Depictions of life like this gave strength to many viewers in similar situations; family and happiness is more important than money, and American people are survivors.

Right before Ellie becomes one of the first runaway brides

It is not hard to see the lasting legacy of It Happened One Night in popular culture today. Several iconic scenes are parodied in movies following it; most notably "the hitchhiking scene", and the wedding scene at the end of the film. The wedding scene was copied in Mel Brooks' 1987 film Spaceballs, complete with relieved father and reward money. In both films the bride realizes she is about to marry the wrong man, and runs away to find him. But in Spaceballs they get a space ship. Sorry, Clark.

Like looking into a mirror, eh Doc?

In his memoirs, Looney Tunes animator Friz Freleng states this movie was one of his all-time favorites. When considering Gable's witty demeanor while eating carrots and being continually called "Doc" while on the bus, it is easy to see how Bugs Bunny was born. He goes on to say that he was inspired to create Pepe LePew and Yosemite Sam when seeing the characters King Westly and Alexander Andrews in the film. Without realizing it, generations of children were affected by this one film written in 1934. 

Even now this film is as appealing as when it was written, even to a 22 year old college student in film class. And that's what makes it great.