Sylvia Scarlett (1935) Review in 2025
Sylvia Scarlett is a 1935 American romantic comedy film about a young woman who disguises herself as a man to escape her family's financial troubles, only to find herself falling for a charming con artist.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is suitable for older children and adults, but parental discretion is advised due to some mature themes and mild innuendos.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is worth watching for fans of classic romantic comedies and adventure films. It's a charming, witty, and engaging film that's sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film's plot thickens as Sylvia, now disguised as a man, falls for the con artist, and they embark on a series of adventures together, but their relationship is put to the test when Sylvia's true identity is revealed, leading to a dramatic confrontation with her family and a romantic showdown with the con artist.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique premise that explores themes of identity, class, and love. However, the plot twists can feel a bit contrived at times, and the ending feels a bit rushed.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Hepburn delivering a tour-de-force performance as Sylvia. Grant is also excellent as the charming con artist, and Russell is delightful as the snobbish aristocrat.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Hepburn delivering a standout performance as the titular character. The chemistry between Hepburn and Grant is undeniable, and their romance is sweet and tender.
direction8.00/10
Cukor's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a sense of pacing that keeps the film moving at a brisk clip. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with some stunning shots of the English countryside.
cinematography8.50/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a mix of bright, sunny shots and darker, moodier ones that perfectly capture the mood of the scene. The use of lighting is also noteworthy, with some clever uses of shadows and highlights.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's unique premise, engaging story, and superb performances make it a standout classic. The cinematography and direction are also noteworthy, with some stunning shots and clever uses of lighting.
Cons
The plot twists can feel a bit contrived at times, and the ending feels a bit rushed. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional.
Notable Quotes
"'I'm not a girl, I'm a boy!' - Sylvia Scarlett"
"'You're a regular little scamp, aren't you?' - The Con Artist"
