New Books in Popular Culture Stuart Klawans, "Crooked, But Never Common: The Films of Preston Sturges" (Columbia UP, 2023)
Jan 10, 2026
Join film critic Stuart Klawans as he dives into the comedic genius of Preston Sturges, the master behind classics like The Lady Eve and Sullivan's Travels. Klawans explores how Sturges's sharp dialogue and intricate structures continue to resonate today. He also unveils Sturges's bohemian roots, his transition from Broadway to Hollywood, and the impact of his recurring ensemble of character actors. Discover the deep themes of fear of conformity and the playful blend of slapstick with high style that define Sturges’s work.
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Dialogue Plus Direction Equals Timeless Comedy
- Preston Sturges's films combine brilliant dialogue with subtle visual direction and actor management.
- Stuart Klawans argues that direction and cynicism help the films endure beyond witty lines.
From Parisian Bohemia To Hollywood Writer
- Sturges grew up between Parisian arts circles and a solid adoptive father, shaping his taste and ambivalence.
- He rose from Broadway success to Hollywood writer and negotiated directing his first film for a token $10 sale.
Wide Experience Makes Characters Whole
- Sturges's broad life experience allowed authentic portrayals across social classes and cultural registers.
- Klawans highlights the black church climax in Sullivan's Travels as unusually respectful for Hollywood then.
