After a gloriously sunny weekend, it's raining again, so what better to do than stay in and watch a movie. Today, it's Midnight, a movie that begins with rain - a rainy night in Paris, when gold-digging showgirl Eve Peabody(Claudette Colbert) arrives from Monte Carlo with only twenty-five cents, a packet of matches and a stunning gold lame dress. Her handsome saviour is taxi driver,Tibor Czerney (Don Ameche), who drives her around for free while she hunts for a job and then buys her dinner.
Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert share dinner |
Georges helps Eve give the impression she is a Hungarian baroness (called Czerney), as he has an ulterior motive. He sees that his wife's lover Jacques Picot (Francis Lederer) is interested in Eve, and decides to use her to lure him away from his wife Helene (Mary Astor).
Mary Astor as Helene |
That hat does something for you... |
This 1939 romantic comedy has some elements of screwball comedy, as was popular at the time, but it still stands up well today. Directed by Mitchell Leisen, who began his Hollywood career as an art director and costume designer, Midnight has a lush, extravagant feel with luxurious sets and exquisite suits,gowns and hats. The screen-writing team of Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder toss dialogue about and Eve sparkles with biting wit - its hard to find a favourite line. There are also references to 'Cinderella', when Eve calls Tibor her fairy godmother and his taxi cab the pumpkin, but really Georges' character is more that of the fairy god mother.
Francis Lederer and Colbert |
The cast of Midnight |
Not as well known as other Colbert comedies (like It Happened One Night, The Palm Beach Story or The Egg and I), Midnight is an excellent film, and worth watching a few times just for the clothes. I found my copy at the thrift shop, but you can find a copy here. Watch this scene set a Georges Versailles country house first.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to confirm the movie and post date you've chosen for the Mary Astor Blogathon (May 3-10).
We have you listed for RED DUST or I AM A THIEF. Have you decided which fab movie you'll be going with?
Which day would you prefer to post your entry?
We want to update the list this week, so if you could get back to me by Wednesday, April 17, that would be terrific!
Thanks for participating. We're really looking forward to your entry. :)
Regards,
R.A. Kerr
http://silverscreenings.org/
and
Dorian Tenore-Bartilucci
http://dortiantb.blogspot.com
Hi there, so sorry you're reply got lost in the bloggosphere for a while. I have manged to get a copy of Red Dust, so that would be fine if I am not to late. Would Wed 8 May be ok (or is that Tuesday for you)?
DeleteMidnight is getting a lot of love this weekend. : )
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your review and the added info on the film I didn't know was a treat. Such a great cast and memorable performances. (Was great seeing JB and Astor reunited again for this fun little romp.
Have a great weekend!
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