Nothing Sacred (Comedy, 1937)

Nothing Sacred is a classic American screwball comedy film directed by William A. Wellman and produced by David O. Selznick. It stars Carole Lombard and Fredric March, with a supporting cast including Charles Winninger and Walter Connolly. The film is notable for being the first screwball comedy filmed in Technicolor and for its innovative use of process effects, montage, and rear screen projection.

Plot
The story revolves around Hazel Flagg (Carole Lombard), a young woman from Warsaw, Vermont, who is mistakenly diagnosed with radium poisoning and given only weeks to live. When a New York newspaper reporter, Wally Cook (Fredric March), hears of her plight, he sees it as a sensational story that could boost his career. He convinces his editor, Oliver Stone (Walter Connolly), to bring Hazel to New York for a hero's welcome.
Once in New York, Hazel becomes a celebrity, with the city showering her with attention and gifts. However, she soon discovers that she was never actually dying; the diagnosis was a mistake. Despite this, she decides to keep up the charade to enjoy the fame and attention. The plot thickens as Wally falls in love with Hazel, and the truth about her health becomes increasingly difficult to hide. The film culminates in a series of comedic mishaps and revelations, leading to a resolution that balances humor with a touch of romance.
Cast
Carole Lombard as Hazel Flagg: Lombard delivers a vibrant performance as the small-town girl thrust into the limelight, showcasing her comedic timing and charm.

Fredric March as Wally Cook: March plays the opportunistic reporter with a mix of cynicism and eventual sincerity, providing a foil to Lombard's character.

Charles Winninger as Dr. Enoch Downer: Winninger portrays Hazel's doctor, who initially misdiagnoses her and later becomes complicit in the deception.

Walter Connolly as Oliver Stone: Connolly is the hard-nosed newspaper editor who sees Hazel's story as a way to sell papers.

Sig Ruman as Dr. Emil Eggelhoffer: Ruman plays a foreign doctor whose presence adds to the comedic confusion.

Maxie Rosenbloom as Max Levy: A boxing champion who appears in a memorable fight scene with Lombard, adding to the film's physical comedy.

Additional Notes
The film was based on a story by James H. Street titled "Letter to the Editor," with the screenplay credited to Ben Hecht.

Originally, Janet Gaynor was cast as Hazel Flagg, but William Wellman convinced Selznick to cast Carole Lombard after meeting her. Lombard even took boxing lessons from Maxie Rosenbloom to prepare for her fight scene with March.

Nothing Sacred is celebrated for its sharp wit, social commentary on media sensationalism, and Lombard's iconic performance, making it a standout in the screwball comedy genre.

The film's blend of humor, romance, and satire on media ethics remains relevant, and its Technicolor presentation was groundbreaking for its time.