What do you get when you combine the talents of Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and an all star supporting cast of character actors under the direction of Howard Hawks? You get one of the greatest classic screwball comedies ever made.
Here is a good synopsis from IMDb:
When Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn), a scatterbrained young woman, takes a shine to Dr. David Huxley (Cary Grant), a sober palaeontologist, mayhem ensues. Dr. Huxley, engaged to be married and intensely interested in the arrival of the brontosaurus bone required to complete his project at the museum, is inextricably bound up with Susan's escapades when she finds herself responsible for Baby, a tame leopard shipped to her New York apartment and intended for Susan's aunt in Connecticut. The plot thickens when George the Terrier steals the priceless bone and buries it, Baby escapes, and an untamed leopard escapes from a circus convoy (resulting in a twist on the mistaken identity ploy). Will Susan's love for David be reciprocated? Will David get his bone back? Will Baby be brought up - or brought down?
When Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn), a scatterbrained young woman, takes a shine to Dr. David Huxley (Cary Grant), a sober palaeontologist, mayhem ensues. Dr. Huxley, engaged to be married and intensely interested in the arrival of the brontosaurus bone required to complete his project at the museum, is inextricably bound up with Susan's escapades when she finds herself responsible for Baby, a tame leopard shipped to her New York apartment and intended for Susan's aunt in Connecticut. The plot thickens when George the Terrier steals the priceless bone and buries it, Baby escapes, and an untamed leopard escapes from a circus convoy (resulting in a twist on the mistaken identity ploy). Will Susan's love for David be reciprocated? Will David get his bone back? Will Baby be brought up - or brought down?
Bringing Up Baby has been called the ultimate romantic screwball comedy. I think this particular comedy was so excellent because of the enormous talent of the cast as well as great writing and direction. It is a fast-paced romp that starts with the meeting of the two main characters and doesn't slow until the climactic ending. Every scene is fun and exciting. The dialog is crisp and sharp throughout. All of the characters are quirky and brilliant. George the dog is none other than Skippy (Asta) of Thin Man fame.
I discovered from my research that most of the actors got their start on Broadway or Vaudeville. I believe this is the reason they were so successful playing off each other.
I discovered from my research that most of the actors got their start on Broadway or Vaudeville. I believe this is the reason they were so successful playing off each other.
- Cary Grant started out traveling with a troupe of comedians and acrobats at age 14.
- Katherine Hepburn began her career on Broadway and had an academy award (1933).
- Charles Ruggles began on the stage.
- May Robson was a major stage actress and playwright.
- Walter Catlett began his career in Vaudeville.