Midnight (1939)

A chorus girl (Claudette Colbert), stranded in Paris, is "set up" by a millionaire to break up his wife's affair with another man.According to a Turner Classic Movies introduction by Robert Osborne, the role that eventually went to Claudette Colbert was originally slated for Barbara Stanwyck but scheduling problems prevented her from taking it. Osborne also stated Wilder was unhappy with script changes made by director Leisen, giving him motivation to become a director himself so he would have more creative control.Although I much prefer Stanwyck over Colbert, she does a fine job in this film and I suppose it would be hard to imagine it any other way. She does have something of an innocence about her. It is interesting to hear that this was the film that pushed Wilder from being a writer to a director. His writing is very good, but I daresay his directing is even better and really catapulted comedy to new heights.

Midnight (1939) is an excellent film that showcases the talents of all of its stars: a very sassy and glamorous Claudette Colbert, a very charming and self-assured Don Ameche, the lovely Mary Astor, a small but perfectly hilarious part by Monty Woolley, and John Barrymore in what is probably my favorite role of his. Midnight is pure romantic comedy. It's not an over-the-top screwball, but it does lean that way particularly at the château. The chemistry between Ameche and Colbert is excellent. Despite her plans to keep away, his determination never wavers, although his methods do.My only disappointment is that it's a few minutes too short. The time flies and it's over in just over 90 minutes. These characters are so much fun to watch, a full 2 hours would have been okay by me. Regardless, I've seen it several times now, and with each viewing it grows on me. I also enjoy noticing the little details that add to the comedy. I highly recommend Midnight to any classic film lover. 8/10

1939 has always been a magic year for films. I have just viewed this one, & once again this movie proves it over again. Claudette Colbert plays a broke American Woman who comes into Paris & gets into a most interesting situation.First, arriving in Paris, she meets a taxi driver (Don Ameche) who falls for her & she for him. Then she leaves Ameche & happens to wander into a situation where she seduces a playboy who wants to marry her. She goes from being penniless to being a Baroness. Things become quite amazing as she now has a suite at the Ritz Hotel, a chauffeur, & lots of money to spend.This is screwball comedy at its best as the jokes fly throughout the film. Colbert is as good here as in any film. Don Ameche is good, & so is the rest of the cast. Hedda Hopper actually plays a character (Stephanie) in this movie which is rare as she usually plays herself but since the film is set in Paris, I guess they had to give her a role instead. The film even has a classic comedy black out ending. The script has the hand of the great writing of Billy Wilder & is just great.I highly recommend this movie, yet another reason & miracle about that magic year of 1939. This one got no recognition but it is without a doubt another very good film from Hollywoods greatest year.

In some ways I feel sorry for those that made MIDNIGHT. While it is a wonderful movie, it came out during what many would argue was the greatest year in Hollywood history. 1939 saw such films as GONE WITH THE WIND, GOODBYE MR. CHIPS and MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON and so it's not surprising that films like MIDNIGHT and THE WIZARD OF OZ somehow took a back seat. Had it come out in a different year, it might have taken home an award or at least been nominated.The story begins with penniless Colbert arriving in Paris and being befriended by cabbie, Ameche. However, soon after meeting, she accidentally bumbles into a society party and is mistaken for a guest. From then on, she is sucked into the finest circle and is wined and dined and lives a Cinderella-like life--that is until Ameche shows up and announces he's there to ask her to marry a lowly cab driver.The film has a pretty impressive pedigree--the screenplay written by the exceptional duo of Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder, directed gracefully by Mitchell Leisen and starring some exceptional actors--Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche and John Barrymore. In just about every way, this was a quality product, though I will admit the story was a bit silly and unbelievable. However, despite these minor limitations, the whole package looked so nice, was constructed so well and was so clever that it was easy to look past how unbelievable the whole thing was.Sweet and enjoyable from start to finish--this is a film worth seeking.