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Screwball comedy lovers, don't miss, "Midnight." Claudette Colbert,

63.224.201.82

Don Ameche, the very beautiful Mary Astor, AND John Barrymore (how's that for a cast?) all perform marvelously in this very funny 1939 film. Unlike many others of this genre, this one doesn't center on the principal lovers: once Ameche and Colbert meet and fall for each other, they're separated for along period. But Barrymore, the wicked Astor, and Colbert are more than able to carry the film through its plot twists and hilarious episodes. When Ameche finally reappears, his scenes with Colbert are hysterical.
The plot: a down-on-her-luck showgirl (CC) arrives in Paris literally with only the evening gown on her back, in a driving rainstorm. A cab driver (Ameche) takes pity on her and helps her. But almost immediately, she leaves him, becoming embroiled in a wealthy man's (Barrymore) plot to take back the affections of his straying wife (Astor) by using Colbert to lure the lover away. Whew!
As a comedy, the film should be more famous; that is also has something to say about social position (hey, it is 1939!) is an added bonus.
I'd give it **** (out of five).

Follow Ups:

I saw this just a few weeks ago..... - danj 18:08:31 08/11/09 (2)
And I agree with your assessment. I really like the film and the cast cannot be improved upon. Written by Billy Wilder!
- I missed that! Wilder's dialogue is hilarious. nt - tinear 19:53:23 08/11/09 (1)
  sfd
  - Actually Billy Wilder & Charles Brackett did the script - danj 09:59:40 08/12/09 (0)
    A quote from imdb:
    "When Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett turned in their script, the studio liked it, but felt it needed some work. The writers they hired to rewrite the script were: Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett. The studio sent them their own script to rewrite without knowing it. Wilder and Brackett simply retyped their original script and the studio loved the "rewrites" so much, they produced it with no further "changes"."
    
    Barbara Stanwyck was initially hired to play the part of Eve but had to resign before filming started due to scheduling conflicts. Colbert was hired to replace her.
    Mary Astor was almost replaced due to problems with her pregnancy. They were able to finish by shooting around her difficulties - rearranging the shooting schedule.
    
    Edits: 08/12/09
Sold! I'll have to pick this one up nt - Brian A 10:31:06 08/11/09 (0)
We'll have to agree to disagree about global warming until the next global cooling scare comes along

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