This film is the essence of thirties screwball comedy. It is also quintessential Howard Hawks, treating many of the director's favourite themes, particularly the loving war between the sexes. Criticized by some reviewers when it was released for its dependence on a prepostorous plot employing comic cliches and stereotypes, few recognized it as a potential classic. The introduction of this book gives the production history of the film. It also provides a biographical sketch of Hawk's career. The original story by Hagar Wilde, on which the film is based, is reprinted as well. Also included are an interview with Hawks by Joseph McBride, reviews, essays by Stanley Cavell, Peter Wollen and Gerald Mast and a filmography.