Remember the Night (1940)
-
100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
81% of users liked it
(270 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
- Directed By
- Mitchell Leisen
- Written By
- Preston Sturges
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Classics, Comedy
G,
- 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.
-
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.
-
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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
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
