Nothing Sacred is a 1937 American screwball comedy directed by William A. Wellman, produced by David O. Selznick, and written by Ben Hecht. Released by United Artists on November 26, 1937, it runs about 77 minutes and is one of the earliest feature films shot entirely in Technicolor.
Plot Summary
The film tells the story of Hazel Flagg (Carole Lombard), a small-town woman who is mistakenly believed to be dying of radium poisoning. When New York newspaper reporter Wally Cook (Fredric March) discovers her case, he brings her to the city as a human-interest sensation. Hazel becomes a national celebrity, showered with sympathy and attention.
However, Hazel is not actually dying—her diagnosis was a mistake. Torn between guilt and the allure of fame, she continues the charade, while Wally falls in love with her. The satire builds as the media, the public, and even Hazel herself become entangled in the absurdity of manufactured tragedy. The film culminates in a comic resolution that skewers both journalistic sensationalism and society’s appetite for melodrama.
Cast
- Carole Lombard as Hazel Flagg
- Fredric March as Wally Cook
- Charles Winninger as Dr. Enoch Downer
- Walter Connolly as Oliver Stone
- Sig Ruman as Dr. Emil Eggelhoffer
- Margaret Hamilton (later famous as the Wicked Witch of the West) in a small role
Production Notes & Trivia
- Directed by William A. Wellman, known for Wings (1927) and A Star Is Born (1937).
- Script by Ben Hecht, one of Hollywood’s sharpest satirists, who infused the film with biting commentary on journalism and celebrity culture.
- Produced by David O. Selznick, who insisted on shooting in Technicolor, making it one of the first screwball comedies in color.
- Carole Lombard, at the height of her career, is often cited as delivering one of her finest comedic performances.
- The film’s satirical tone was considered daring for its time, mocking both the press and the public.
- Later remade as Living It Up (1954) with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, though the remake softened the satire.
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