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History Is Made at Night

Play trailer Poster for History Is Made at Night 1937 1h 37m Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
When his wife, Irene (Jean Arthur), plans to divorce him, wealthy and cruel businessman Bruce Vail (Colin Clive) sends his chauffeur to her Paris hotel room so he can catch her in a compromising position. Instead, Bruce interrupts a masked thief, who kidnaps Irene. Later, the thief -- head waiter Paul Dumond (Charles Boyer) -- reveals to Irene that he overheard the plot and wanted to help. After a romantic evening, Irene falls in love with Paul, but Bruce will stop at nothing to ruin them.

Critics Reviews

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Dan Callahan Slant Magazine 07/19/2006
4/4
History Is Made at Night is a patchwork quilt genre bender that stands as one of Frank Borzage's supreme achievements. Go to Full Review Brian Susbielles InSession Film 03/06/2023
It is one of Hollywood’s hidden unknowns despite a recognizable cast that can flip easily in tone but maintains its integrity in the fleeting moments of danger. Go to Full Review Sean Burns Crooked Marquee 12/02/2022
“There’s a kamikaze quality to 'History Is Made At Night,' a breathless, anything-can-happen flood of events that mirrors the headlong feeling of falling in love for the first time. Go to Full Review David Harris Spectrum Culture 11/30/2021
A go-for-broke approach to genre conventions imbues History is Made at Night with a sparkling infusion of "what comes next," making it feel more alive than most movies from the era. Go to Full Review Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid 08/13/2021
4/4
Borzage's gift is that he makes this bizarre, convoluted story somehow flow, while feeling totally natural and honest. The emotions felt in it are absolutely genuine, and it truly is a thing of beauty. Go to Full Review Betsy Sherman Arts Fuse 06/28/2021
Jean Arthur was a bright light of the screwball comedy genre... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Will G Jun 7 A great classic Hollywood film. It had romance and someone was jealous. They travelled by ship. It reminded me of Titanic at times. The music and acting were nice. See more Rare T 12/06/2024 Those who say this is Jean’s Arthur’s best performance, are right indeed. Her ability to meticulously display romantic feeling and sentiment is as convincing as if it were in real life. See more LB P 03/24/2024 I couldn't handle Jean Arthur's miscasting and overacting. I usually really like her but her melodramatic acting and facial expressions were ridiculous. See more Deke P 03/03/2023 1937. Odd title. GREAT CAST! GREAT REVIEWS! Even if one only watches a part of it, it becomes obvious that the GREAT REVIEWS are true and this is an exceptional film. Never heardo til saw it on the tellyvision screen 2.3.23. Note to sef: watch it ALL over agin, paying particular attention to A-Z. See more william d @acsdoug 06/16/2021 A murder mystery, a romantic comedy, a domestic drama, a disaster movie - this film is all over the place. Trying to cover so many bases at once is ultimately unsatisfying. See more 02/01/2019 The best romance movie ever made! See more Read all reviews
History Is Made at Night

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Frank Borzage

Director

Charles Boyer

Paul Dumond

Jean Arthur

Irene Vail

Colin Clive

Bruce Vail

Leo Carrillo

Cesare

Ivan Lebedeff

Michael Browsky

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History Is Made at Night

History Is Made at Night (1937) History Is Made at Night (1937) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When his wife, Irene (Jean Arthur), plans to divorce him, wealthy and cruel businessman Bruce Vail (Colin Clive) sends his chauffeur to her Paris hotel room so he can catch her in a compromising position. Instead, Bruce interrupts a masked thief, who kidnaps Irene. Later, the thief -- head waiter Paul Dumond (Charles Boyer) -- reveals to Irene that he overheard the plot and wanted to help. After a romantic evening, Irene falls in love with Paul, but Bruce will stop at nothing to ruin them.
Director
Frank Borzage
Producer
Walter Wanger
Screenwriter
Gene Towne, C. Graham Baker
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
Walter Wanger Productions
Genre
Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 5, 1937, Original
Runtime
1h 37m