Whilst he might not be as well-known today as some of his peers, Howard Hawks is undoubtedly one of the greatest America filmmakers of his generation. What sets him apart from most was his willingness and indeed eagerness to work across a number of genres. The popularity of the likes of Rio Bravo (western), The Big Sleep (noir), Scarface (gangster), His Girl Friday (comedy) and The Thing from Another World (sci-fi) merely attest to his genius. As does Bringing Up Baby, which is one of his best.
David Huxley (Cary Grant) is a hapless palaeontologist so dedicated to furthering his field of research that despite getting married tomorrow is desperately trying to secure extra funding for the work. Along the way he encounters the rather unshakable Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn), an heiress who takes a shine to him; dogging his tracks. When she takes possession of a leopard called Baby he somehow finds himself on the way to Connecticut.
Bringing Up Baby is a wild laugh a minute screwball comedy which gives its stars full rein to spark off each other. Hepburn in particular revels in this freedom, giving one of the most fun performances of her career. Indeed, it’s her chemistry with Grant which makes for such a wonderful spectacle. Hawks ensures that the pair lurch from one debacle to another. Bringing Up Baby is a breakneck triumph and an absolute joy to watch.
Extras:
- New, restored 4K digital transfer
- New video essay on actor Cary Grant
- New interview about cinematographer Russell Metty
- New interview on special-effects pioneer Linwood Dunn
- And more
Bringing Up Baby is released on Blu-ray as part of the Criterion Collection on 26 July.
