The Talk of the Town is a 1942 comedy-drama directed by George Stevens and starring Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, and Ronald Colman. The film opens with a fire at the Holmes Woolen Mill, which results in Leopold Dilg being arrested for arson and murder. Dilg is a political activist who has been campaigning against the corrupt local government, and he believes that he has been framed for the fire as a way to silence him.
Dilg manages to escape from jail and makes his way to the nearby town of Deep Valley, where he seeks refuge in the home of Nora Shelley, his childhood sweetheart. However, Nora has recently rented her house to Michael Lightcap, a highly respected law professor who is staying in town for the summer. Dilg convinces Nora and her maid, Jenny, to let him stay in the attic and hide out until he can figure out a way to prove his innocence.
Meanwhile, Lightcap begins to suspect that something is not quite right when he hears odd noises coming from the attic. He eventually discovers Dilg hiding up there and agrees to help him clear his name. The two men become unlikely friends as they work together to find evidence that will exonerate Dilg.
As Dilg and Lightcap delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover a web of corruption that goes all the way to the top of the local government. They become embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the authorities, with Dilg's life hanging in the balance. In the end, they are able to expose the corruption and clear Dilg's name, and he and Nora are reunited.
The Talk of the Town is a witty and charming film that combines elements of comedy, drama, and romance. It explores themes of justice, friendship, and political activism, and features strong performances from its three lead actors. It was well received upon its release and has since become a classic of the genre.