DVD Corner

The Talk Of The Town 4K UHD Review

A strong cast elevates “The Talk Of The Town.” 

Based on a story by Sidney Harmon, adapted by Dale Van Every and written by Irwin Shaw and Sidney Buchman (did you get all that?), 1942’s “The Talk Of The Town” is a crime drama/comedy/romance. The story begins with a Mill fire allegedly claiming the life of a man (Clyde). Leopold is wrongfully suspected of arson and for the murder of Clyde. He escapes prison and crashes at the cottage residence of Nora (a friend/teacher). On the day of his arrival, a professor/law school Dean (Michael) arrives. He’s renting the place for the summer to write a book. Alas, he doesn’t quite get the peace he desires as the place becomes a bit of a circus. In order to protect Leopold, Nora offers to stay home to cook and act as a secretary for Michael. Eventually, Leopold reveals himself to Michael but poses as a gardener named Joseph. Joseph and Michael begin to bond all while the two of them also begin to fall for Nora. While this is going on, Michael gets news that he is set to become a Supreme Court nominee. Unfortunately for him, his career is jeopardized when he finds out who Joseph really is. Moreover, he also goes out of his way to prove Leopold’s innocence. 

Directed by George Stevens, the Oscar nominated “The Talk Of The Town” is a curious blend of drama and comedy. The movie starts out as a prison escape thriller before morphing into a standard comedy of the time with Nora trying to hide things from Michael. The tone changes yet again as it becomes both a romantic tale and a talky drama about Leopold’s complex situation. It all sounds like a strange blend that doesn’t quite go together, but the entire crew pulls it off. ‘Talk’ could have easily devolved into a one note comedy, but it’s a film with more on its mind. The themes of truth, media, law, justice, and mob rule still feel altogether timely all these years later. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the entire film is Michael’s character arc. You think he’ll just be a stuffy griper, but his character goes places you don’t quite expect. It’s a truly satisfying character journey.

Speaking of the characters, the real reason ‘Talk works as well as it does is due to Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, and Ronald Colman. Grant is suave as always although he has a bit of an edge to his character here. Jean Arthur has always been an underrated starlet who lights up the screen with her charm. Ronald Colman steals the show as the intellectual Michael. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 2160p. How does it look? The B&W classic gets an impressive and clean new 4K print.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A little snowy, but otherwise adequate. 

Extras include a Digital copy, a commentary by author Marilyn Ann Moss and “Talking About Talk Of The Town” (a 5 minute featurette with film clips and an interview with George Stevens Jr. talking about his father and the film).

December 24, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Cary Grant, Classic Movie, Comedy, Jean Arthur, Oscars, Ronald Colman, The Talk Of The Town 4K UHD Review