The Gilded Lily

An often overlooked comedy gem, The Gilded Lily (1935) marks the first teaming of screen legends Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray and is the epitome of a New York City urban fantasy. Newspaper reporter Peter Dawes (MacMurray) and stenographer Marilyn David (Colbert), nicknamed Lynn, meet regularly on a park bench sharing popcorn along with their dreams. Their budding romance is soon threatened by a chance meeting between Marilyn and Charles Gray (Ray Milland), an English nobleman visiting America. Marilyn's fantasy of landing a handsome millionaire becomes a reality as she is pursued by Charles in a whirlwind courtship, leaving Peter fighting to reclaim his love. When the press learns of the affair, it turns into an international tabloid scandal for everyone involved. Directed by Wesley Ruggles, The Gilded Lily helped launch the career of Fred MacMurray who would make six more films with Claudette Colbert over the years.

• comedy