THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT is an earlier effort for director Robert Wise. He does a good job in this "nightclub musical." Tony Franciosa and Jean Simmons have a great chemistry together in this, and Paul Douglas is very good as the former bootlegger with a heart of gold. There are many fine character actors in this, namely Joan Blondell, Frank Ferguson and, in one scene, Zasu Pitts. Julie Wilson smoulders in her musical numbers, and Neile Adams pops off the screen in hers. It's interesting to see an integrated school classroom here, as there weren't many seen on the screen or on television in 1957. Rafael Campos plays a bus boy who is taunted because of his middle-eastern lineage. He wants desperately to pass algebra so his Father will allow him to change his name. He does a good job here, although today, he would have to show more pride in his name, rather than try to Angelicize it. The colorful characters here are well- drawn, and we care about them. That's what makes spending a little time at the Tonic night club an enjoyable experience. I had the opportunity to see the late Julie Wilson perform in Chicago in 1999. It was while seeing her that I learned about the existence of this movie. She talked about "this little movie I appeared in" as if she had a tiny role. So I was surprised to see that she not only had a substantial part, but sings in several spots in the film, including over the opening credits. A breezy, fun musical from the end of MGMs glory days.
Review of This Could Be the Night
This Could Be the Night
(1957)
Underrated musical has charm, great '50s period piece.
3 February 2017