It Happened One Night
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
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 - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

Behold the walls of Jericho! Maybe not as thick as the ones Joshua blew down with his trumpet, but a lot safer. You see, I have no trumpet.

— Peter Warne

Context:

Said while hanging the blanket in the motel room to separate their beds.

Meaning:

This iconic line establishes the sexual tension and the makeshift boundary between the unmarried pair while nodding to the pre-Code censorship limitations.

The limb is mightier than the thumb.

— Ellie Andrews

Context:

Spoken after she successfully hails a car for a ride by showing her leg.

Meaning:

A witty summation of how Ellie's practical (and flirtatious) approach succeeded where Peter's "expert" male logic failed.

The walls of Jericho are toppling!

— Peter Warne (via Telegram)

Context:

The final message sent to Ellie's father at the end of the film.

Meaning:

A metaphorical confirmation that the barriers to their union have finally fallen and they are consummating their relationship.