"Midnight" was one of the best pictures released in 1939. This delightful comedy was directed by Mitchell Leisen, based on a screen play by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder. One can see the influence of Wilder in the way the story is presented. Mitchell Leisen had a keen eye in the styles of his times, being an art director, as well as a costume designer, as he shows in the film.
Claudette Colbert, one of the most accomplished comediennes of her time, shows why her presence in any project was an asset for the director wanting to employ her. If one adds the immensely talented Don Ameche to play opposite of Ms. Colbert, then success was almost guaranteed. These two actors are perhaps, the best reason for watching "Midnight'.
This screwball comedy of manners will enchant anyone willing to be seduced by its star. It's almost an implausible story, but why ask questions about what we suspect will happen. We just go along and have a great time for an hour and a half watching this movie.
John Barrymore makes an appearance, but he seems so out of character, at times, that we realize he must have been doing this picture out of necessity, rather than artistic duty. In fact, he appears to be reading his lines on cue cards. Not one of Mr. Barrymore's best movies.
The rest of the cast is excellent. Mary Astor, makes an elegant Helene, the woman deceiving her husband. Francis Lederer cuts quite a figure as the lover, who has a roving eye for whatever he could conquer. Rex O'Malley, Monty Woolley, and Hedda Hopper are also seen.
The ultimate triumph for Mr. Leisen seems to be the opulent sets that he and his team have created to give us the feeling we are in the Paris of that time. The women's costumes by Irene reflect the fashions of the sophisticated world where the movie takes place.
Watch the film and enjoy one of the best comedies from that period.
Claudette Colbert, one of the most accomplished comediennes of her time, shows why her presence in any project was an asset for the director wanting to employ her. If one adds the immensely talented Don Ameche to play opposite of Ms. Colbert, then success was almost guaranteed. These two actors are perhaps, the best reason for watching "Midnight'.
This screwball comedy of manners will enchant anyone willing to be seduced by its star. It's almost an implausible story, but why ask questions about what we suspect will happen. We just go along and have a great time for an hour and a half watching this movie.
John Barrymore makes an appearance, but he seems so out of character, at times, that we realize he must have been doing this picture out of necessity, rather than artistic duty. In fact, he appears to be reading his lines on cue cards. Not one of Mr. Barrymore's best movies.
The rest of the cast is excellent. Mary Astor, makes an elegant Helene, the woman deceiving her husband. Francis Lederer cuts quite a figure as the lover, who has a roving eye for whatever he could conquer. Rex O'Malley, Monty Woolley, and Hedda Hopper are also seen.
The ultimate triumph for Mr. Leisen seems to be the opulent sets that he and his team have created to give us the feeling we are in the Paris of that time. The women's costumes by Irene reflect the fashions of the sophisticated world where the movie takes place.
Watch the film and enjoy one of the best comedies from that period.