Remember the Night (1940)

100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
82% of users liked it
(231 ratings)

A romantic comedy drama directed by former art director Mitchell Leisen and based on a skillful Preston Sturges screenplay. Barbara Stanwyck stars as Lee Leander, a New York City shoplifter who is arrested just before Christmas after trying to filch an expensive piece of jewelry. Her trial delayed… More A romantic comedy drama directed by former art director Mitchell Leisen and based on a skillful Preston Sturges screenplay. Barbara Stanwyck stars as Lee Leander, a New York City shoplifter who is arrested just before Christmas after trying to filch an expensive piece of jewelry. Her trial delayed until after the holiday, Lee comes to the attention of an assistant district attorney, John Sargent (Fred MacMurray). Although he will be expected to prosecute Lee in a few days, John takes pity on the prisoner, who is from his home state of Indiana. He arranges for her to be released for the holidays and escorts her home, but her mother (Georgia Caine) is not interested in a reunion. So John takes Lee to his own festivities, where Lee is bowled over by the love and affection of the Sargent family, particularly John's mother (Beulah Bondi), who is so unlike her own. Lee and John fall in love, but their return to the Big Apple and Lee's trial loom large over their romance. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Mitchell Leisen
Written By: Preston Sturges
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 19, 1940 Wide

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Stanwyck turns in a fine performance. MacMurray is impressive as the serious-minded prosecutor, but loosens up for the comedy stretches.
Frank S. Nugent, New York Times
Perhaps this is a bit too early in the season to be talking of the best pictures of 1940; it is not too early to say that Paramount's nomination is worth considering.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The loose, graceful script is by Preston Sturges (one of his last before he turned to directing), and it partakes of a softness and nostalgia that seldom surfaced in his own films.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
You'd have to be a grump not to like this funny, sentimental blend of pathos, drama and zaniness.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
An astonishing, moving film.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Playing superbly on the personae of his leads, Leisen creates a movie of warmth and immense style, which never quite trips over into excessive sentimentality.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Stella D

four years before double indemnity, stanwyck and macmurray made this very different film together. the plot may be a little far fetched but sturges' banter is unmistakable. better than the holiday classic christmas in connecticut imo
Michael G

Remember the Night is a good but not great movie. The Preston Sturges-scripted story starts off with his signature madcap qualities but director Mitchell Leisen takes the movie into melodrama country for the last act. In Leisen's defense, that Niagara Falls scene was beautiful.… More
Remember the Night is a good but not great movie. The Preston Sturges-scripted story starts off with his signature madcap qualities but director Mitchell Leisen takes the movie into melodrama country for the last act. In Leisen's defense, that Niagara Falls scene was beautiful. Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck are as always, amazing together And of course Beulah Bondi was fantastic to the point where you almost wish she was your mom. Remember the Night is a great watch if you're tired of Christmas movies--there's enough Christmas going on without it getting shoved down your throat.
jay n

The leads elevate a decent script to a superior level.

Cast

            Barbara Stanwyck as Lee Leander

            Fred MacMurray as John Sargent

            Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Sargent

            Elizabeth Patterson as Aunt Emma

            Willard Robertson as Francis X. O'Leary

            Sterling Holloway as Willie

            Paul Guilfoyle as District Attorney

            Charles Arnt as Tom

            John Wray as Hank

            Thomas W. Ross as Mr. Emory

            Tom Kennedy as Fat Mike

            Georgia Caine as Lee's Mother

            Virginia Brissac as Mrs. Emory

            Spencer Charters as Judge at Rummage Sale

            Jean Acker as Jury Member

            Ambrose Barker as Jury Member

            Brooks Benedict as Customs Official

            Chester Clute as Jewelry Salesman

            Harry Depp as Jury Member

            Edmund Elton as Minister

            Julia Faye as Jury Member

            James Flavin as Tough Attendant

            Milt Kibbee as Jury Member

            Fuzzy Knight as Band Leader

            Kate Lawson as Jail Matron

            Pat O'Malley as Jury Member

            Walter Soderling as Jury Member

            Bernard Suss as Jury Member

            Julius Tannen as Jury Member

            Fred 'Snowflake' Toones as Rufus

            Ruth Warren
            
            George Melford as Brian

            George Guhl as Prison Guard

            Galan Galt
            
            Beth Hartman as Jury Member

            Martha Mears
            
            John Beck as Lee's Stepfather
See full cast