Bringing Up Baby

Definition

Bringing Up Baby is a classic screwball comedy film released in 1938, directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. The film revolves around a paleontologist who gets entangled in a series of chaotic misadventures involving a playful leopard named Baby, highlighting themes of love, social class, and the absurdity of life. Its witty dialogue and slapstick humor make it an iconic example of the screwball genre, which was characterized by its fast-paced plots and eccentric characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The film is renowned for its clever use of mistaken identities and misunderstandings that propel the plot forward.
2. Cary Grant's character, David Huxley, experiences a complete transformation throughout the film due to his interactions with Hepburn's character, Susan Vance.
3. The leopard in the film, named Baby, serves as both a comedic element and a symbol of the wildness that disrupts the characters' lives.
4. Bringing Up Baby was initially a box office failure but gained popularity over time, becoming a staple in American film history.
5. The film's screenplay is filled with rapid-fire dialogue that reflects the heightened emotions and comedic chaos typical of screwball comedies.

Review Questions

• How does Bringing Up Baby utilize elements of screwball comedy to enhance its narrative?
  • Bringing Up Baby uses screwball comedy elements like rapid-fire dialogue, slapstick humor, and absurd situations to create a lively and chaotic narrative. The interplay between Cary Grant's character, David Huxley, and Katharine Hepburn's Susan Vance showcases the genre's hallmark of oppositional romance. Their contrasting personalities drive the plot forward as they navigate misunderstandings and hilarious mishaps, all while a leopard adds to the pandemonium.
• Analyze how the character dynamics between David Huxley and Susan Vance reflect social class themes in Bringing Up Baby.
  • The relationship between David Huxley and Susan Vance in Bringing Up Baby highlights social class themes through their contrasting backgrounds. David is portrayed as a serious paleontologist focused on his work, representing upper-middle-class values, while Susan embodies free-spirited behavior associated with wealthier socialites. Their interactions challenge societal norms, as David becomes increasingly drawn into Susan's chaotic world, which blurs class distinctions through humor and shared experiences.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Bringing Up Baby on American cinema and its influence on later comedic films.
  • Bringing Up Baby has had a significant impact on American cinema by setting standards for screwball comedies and influencing countless films that followed. Its blend of romance and absurdity paved the way for future filmmakers to explore similar comedic structures. The film's iconic characters and sharp wit have resonated through generations, inspiring modern romantic comedies to incorporate elements like mistaken identities and zany plots, proving that its legacy endures in today's film industry.

Related terms

Screwball Comedy: A genre of comedy that emerged in the 1930s, featuring fast-paced dialogue, absurd situations, and strong female characters.

Cary Grant: An iconic American actor known for his charm and comedic timing, often associated with romantic comedies and screwball films.

Katharine Hepburn: A celebrated American actress known for her strong-willed characters and unique personality, becoming a key figure in classic Hollywood cinema.