The Awful Truth Ending Explained: Unfounded suspicions lead a married couple to begin divorce proceedings, whereupon they start undermining each other's attempts to find new romance. Directed by Leo McCarey, this 1937 comedy film stars Irene Dunne (Lucy Warriner), alongside Cary Grant as Jerry Warriner, Ralph Bellamy as Dan Leeson, Alexander D'Arcy as Armand Duvalle. Rated 7.2/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.

What Happens at the End of The Awful Truth?

Unfounded suspicions lead a married couple to begin divorce proceedings, whereupon they start undermining each other's attempts to find new romance.

How Does Irene Dunne (Lucy Warriner)'s Story End?

  • Irene Dunne: Irene Dunne's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Leo McCarey delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 31m runtime.
  • Cary Grant (Jerry Warriner): Cary Grant's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Ralph Bellamy (Dan Leeson): Ralph Bellamy's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Awful Truth Mean?

The ending of The Awful Truth ties together the narrative threads involving Irene Dunne. Leo McCarey chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.