A rhythmic spark of screwball chemistry ignites amidst Depression-era dust, where a makeshift blanket wall crumbles before the raw, hitchhiking honesty of two souls discovering that love is the only true destination.

It Happened One Night

"An unforgettable entertainment...the outstanding performance of two outstanding careers!"

22 February 1934 United States of America 105 min ⭐ 7.8 (1,346)

Director: Frank Capra

Cast: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, Roscoe Karns, Jameson Thomas

Comedy Romance

Class Conflict and Reconciliation The Journey as Transformation Gender Dynamics and Wits Honesty vs. Exploitation

Budget: $325,000

Box Office: $4,500,000

It Happened One Night - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Archetype: The Cynical Everyman

Key Trait: Quick-witted and fiercely principled.

Motivation

To regain his professional standing as a journalist while maintaining his stubborn independence.

Character Arc

Initially seeks only a career-reviving story, but his cynicism is dismantled as he falls for Ellie, eventually choosing love over a massive financial reward.

Archetype: The Rebellious Heiress

Key Trait: Spiritually defiant and surprisingly adaptable.

Motivation

To escape her father's control and find true freedom, which she initially confuses with her marriage to King Westley.

Character Arc

Transforms from a helpless, spoiled socialite into a resilient, self-sufficient woman who rejects her hollow high-society life for genuine affection.

Archetype: The Wise Patriarch

Key Trait: Blustering but ultimately tender-hearted.

Motivation

To ensure his daughter doesn't marry a fortune hunter and finds a man who truly loves her.

Character Arc

Starts as a controlling father but emerges as a sympathetic ally who recognizes Peter's worth and encourages his daughter to run toward happiness.

Cast

Clark Gable as Peter Warne

Claudette Colbert as Ellie Andrews

Walter Connolly as Alexander Andrews

Roscoe Karns as Oscar Shapeley

Jameson Thomas as King Westley

Alan Hale as Danker

Arthur Hoyt as Zeke

Blanche Friderici as Zeke's Wife

Charles C. Wilson as Joe Gordon

Ernie Adams as Bag Thief (uncredited)

Jessie Arnold as Woman at Auto Camp (uncredited)

Irving Bacon as Gas Station Attendant (uncredited)

William Bailey as Clark (uncredited)

William Begg as Wedding Party Guest (uncredited)

William A. Boardway as Wedding Guest (uncredited)

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