Page "The Lady Eve" Paragraph 28

The film has been lauded for a unique blend of slapstick and satire.

We see the " fall of man " implied by the title of the film in many ways.

First is that literal, that being Pike continuously falling down in various situations, and his " fall from innocence " as he is sucked into the deceptive plots laid out by Jean.

Sturges also uses deceptiveness in appearance profusely throughout the film.

Things as small as the distinction, or lack thereof, between beer and ale to the various disguises of Jean Harrington add depth to the plot line.

Even most of the characters have two names ( Charles = Hopsie, Jean = Eugenia / Eve Sidwich ).

This lack of recognition sets the stage for the storyline.

Sturges repeatedly suggests that the " lowliest boob could rise to the top with the right degree of luck, bluff and fraud.