There's nothing I love more than some fast paced witty banter. In the 1930s they had it in spades, so most of my movies on this list are from that glorious age. If you want a film with witty banter, the odds are in your favor if you pick one starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Carole Lombard, Jean Arther, Myrna Loy, or William Powell. And the fun part is you get a nice dose of 1930s style at the same time.
Philadelphia Story
Already mentioned before, but must come up in any list of films regarding witty banter.
Swing Time
Fred and Ginger don't just dance, they do quite a bit of flirtatious talking too.
The Awful Truth
Jean Arthur and Cary Grant are divorcing wife and husband at war. They each try to sabotage each others attempts at happiness with other people, because the awful truth is, they're only happy with each other.
The Women
You just can't beat this movie for banter. It's interesting to watch this movie, how they make a movie revolving around a man without ever seeing him. The entire cast is made up of top-notch female 1930s stars. I don't want to be a hater, but I was so very, very disappointed by the remake. See the original.
P.S. Check out the long red vintage fingernails in the photo above - much like what I tried to do with my vintage manicure!
The Thin Man
Have I mentioned I love William Powell and Myrna Loy? (And their dog too). This husband-wife duo is constantly enmeshed in mystery and mischief and they have the kind of marriage that makes you cheer.
His Girl Friday
Cary Grant reigns again. What can I say? Here he's a reporter who's got a rivalry with feisty Rosalind Russell.
And a few modern additions...
Sweet home Alabama
A modern movie. But I would argue it's got a little bit of witty banter of the sassy Southern variety.
Gilmore Girls
Not technically a movie, okay? But if you like 1930s films and witty banter and you watch Gilmore Girls, you will not be able to deny the connection. Before I started watching this show I thought it was some sort of schmaltzy mother-daughter soap opera of the CW. But when I started watching it I discovered fast-paced creative dialogue with quirky characters and a big heart. I was hooked.
An Ideal Husband
The casting in this movie was amazing! And the dialogue is amazing. Funny, smart, sweet, sharp, with lots of twists and turns. Wish I could find a better photo. Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Minnie Driver, Jeremy Northam and Rupert Everett.
Recommended double features:
Dynamic duos: The Thin Man and Gilmore Girls
Love the second time around: The Awful Truth and Sweet Home Alabama
I love all of these! Witty banter is obviously at the top of my list of main reasons I love certain movies and T.V. shows...I liked the show Pushing Daisies for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteOooh! Good one. I really love Pushing Daisies. I was so bummed when they cancelled it. I just know I must be missing some other excellent witty banter specimens!
ReplyDeleteGood post. Those old classics can't be beat! Good writing is the key as you just don't get the same sense of the energy behind the scenes today.But give them credit for trying to add new life after decades and decades of great work.
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