The Scoundrel (1939 film)

The Scoundrel is a 1939 American drama film directed by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, starring Noël Coward, Julie Haydon, and Stanley Ridges. The film tells the story of Anthony Mallare (Coward), a cynical and detached publisher of avant-garde literature in New York City. Mallare lives a life of hedonistic pleasure, casually discarding lovers and displaying a general contempt for humanity.

His world is shaken when a young poetess, Cora Moore (Haydon), whom he has cruelly rejected, predicts his own death within a month, a prediction fueled by a voodoo curse. Mallare dismisses her words until a series of increasingly bizarre events and premonitions begin to suggest the truth of her prophecy.

As the month progresses, Mallare's cynicism begins to erode, replaced by a growing sense of unease and a desire to connect with others. He seeks to make amends for his past misdeeds, but his attempts are often met with skepticism and distrust. Ultimately, Mallare finds himself on a flight to Lisbon, which crashes, fulfilling Cora's prophecy.

The film is noted for its witty dialogue (co-written by Hecht and MacArthur), Coward's performance in a rare dramatic role, and its blend of sophisticated comedy with elements of fantasy and the supernatural. While not a box office success upon its initial release, The Scoundrel has gained a cult following over the years and is now regarded as a minor classic of American cinema. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Story in 1935, a technicality as it was released in 1939 but eligible for the award in that earlier year.