Midnight (1939) is one of those rom-coms that by all rights should make best-of lists. Written by the classic comedy duo of Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder plus Edwin Justus Mayer, who penned the satire To Be or Not to Be. Packed with stars, including Oscar winner Claudette Colbert, scene stealer John Barrymore and Mary Astor. Even charming cameos by gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and Monty Woolley.
Given its pedigree, it should be no surprise that the film is hilarious, and director Mitchell Leisen, who also helmed Easy Living and Remember the Night, gives the outstanding script its due.
Why then, did I have to stumble upon it?
It’s true that Don Ameche is no Clark Gable, but he has a blustery, rough-hewn charm of his own. Plus, he’s not the focus. This is a rom-com that leans into the comedy, and the laughs are primarily thanks to Eve Peabody; the breathtakingly confident, unscrupulous heroine (Colbert); and her game sidekick, Georges Flammarion (Barrymore).
Eve has arrived in Paris with only the evening dress on her back thanks to her poor luck at a roulette table. She’s looking for a rich future — or as she puts it, a “tub of butter” — preferably in the arms of a wealthy husband, not those of the sweet taxi driver (Ameche) who picks her up. For reasons of his own, Georges (Barrymore), a man she stumbles into while crashing a party, abets her pursuit of a wealthy, suave player, Jacques Picot (Francis Lederer). Things are looking promising since Picot appreciates the newcomer’s beauty and cool assessment of his character. Only the taxi driver and the limits of her con-artist wiles can foil her plans.
Claudette Colbert would have been at home in the Ocean’s 11 franchise. The breezy assurance with which she pulls off her various lies and schemes as Eve is a joy to behold. Ernst Lubitsch surely erred in limiting his casting of her to a mistress teaching a wife to “jazz up your lingerie” in The Smiling Lieutenant and a put-upon mate in Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife. What a waste to not cast her as the schemer (Miriam Hopkins) in Trouble in Paradise.
The repartee between Georges and Eve when they are collectively spinning tales makes you wonder just how many takes it took before Barrymore and Colbert could keep their faces from crumbling into laughter at these Brackett-Wilder-Mayer lines. And Barrymore as a fairy godmother? His expressions alone crack me up:
I’m not giving anything else away. Just watch it. If you’re anything like me, it won’t be the last time.
This is part of the Classic Movie Blog Association’s Make ’em Laugh blogathon. Check out my peers’ funny takes on their favorite comedies at this link.
Hi Leah.
So glad to find another fan of this one. It’s so much fun. Alas, I have yet to find an opportunity to send anyone a roller skate covered in thousand island dressing.
I would like to hire John Barrymore to help me out.
Have you seen John in Twentieth Century? His performance is comedy gold.
Maddy from Classic Film And TV Corner
No, but that one’s on my list. Thank you for the rec! And the thousand island dressing line is my favorite in the movie:)
When I stumbled across this gem was a theater presentation at the Dryden Theater of the George Eastman House (35mm print). The audience laughter was so loud and continuous that some of the lines of dialogue I did not hear until I found a DVD from Warners Archives. Many lines have become standard retorts in my house. (“How could I with my hands full of cash?” and “I’ll deal with you later, Francie!”)
Two of my favorite lines. The delivery of Francie is fantastic too!
Midnight is one of the great romantic comedies. Unfortunately it appears rarely on television or cable as a Paramount production. In addition to its other qualities it had a great wardrobe for Colbert designed by Irene – with the most clever ensemble made out of Pullman train blankets. You are right Leah – just watch it.
It really is fantastic. Deserves more credit. And I love the costumes too!
This looks terrific! As is the case with so many entries in this blogathon, I can’t believe I haven’t seen this before. I have a feeling this will be a new fave. Thanks so much for introducing me to Midnight.
Oh, it’s a joy. Don’t miss it.
I really love this one too, Leah! I really really love late career Barrymore doing comedies. Makes me wish he was given more comedic roles during his matinee idol days in the silent era
So true! He’s so brilliant in comedy, and who would have guessed from some of his early dramatic performances how good he could be?
Sounds interesting. Good review.
Quiggy
Thank you! Yes, check it out.
Great article! Mitchell Leisen made some brilliant films, this one included (plus, co-written by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder and with a wonderful casting- can’t really go wrong!)
It’s true. It’s an incredible combo, and Leisen should get more credit. Remember the Night is another fave.
Thanks for introducing me to this film, Leah. I don’t know how I could have missed it with that pedigree but somehow I did. I can’t wait to watch it based on your recommendation. Great article!
Thank you! Oh, it’s so much fun. I envy your first watch:) Then again, it doesn’t get old.