This Could Be the Night (1957)

89% of users liked it
(61 ratings)

A rare comedy effort by director Robert Wise, This Could Be the Night is based on a series of short stories Cordelia Baird Gross. Jean Simmons stars as Anne Leeds, a prim, proper and very level-headed grade-school teacher who takes a night job as secretary to rough-and-tumble nightclub owner Rocco… More A rare comedy effort by director Robert Wise, This Could Be the Night is based on a series of short stories Cordelia Baird Gross. Jean Simmons stars as Anne Leeds, a prim, proper and very level-headed grade-school teacher who takes a night job as secretary to rough-and-tumble nightclub owner Rocco (Paul Douglas). Despite his raffish exterior, Rocco has a heart of gold, and he does is best to protect Anne from Broadway predators in general and ladies'-man Tony Armotti (Anthony Franciosa) in particular. As she struggles to put Rocco's questionable business practices in order, Anne also encourages the efforts of immigrant busboy Hussein (Rafael Campos) to earn his American citizenship, and helps sexy chorine Ivy (Neile Adams) realize her dream of becoming a famous chef. Several veteran thespians add spice to the proceedings, including J. Carroll Naish, Joan Blondell, Murvyn Vye and ZaSu Pitts, while music is provided by the Ray Anthony Orchestra. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Robert Wise
Written By: Isobel Lennart
Genres: Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: May 14, 1957 Wide
On DVD: Jan 27, 1993

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Even the rhinestones look fake when they sparkle.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Laura C

While the story is on the simplistic side, it was a fun fish-out-of water scenario and I highly enjoyed the performances in this film. Jean Simmons plays a contained school teacher who takes a part-time job working as a secretary in a nightclub. It quickly becomes apparent that… More
While the story is on the simplistic side, it was a fun fish-out-of water scenario and I highly enjoyed the performances in this film. Jean Simmons plays a contained school teacher who takes a part-time job working as a secretary in a nightclub. It quickly becomes apparent that she's just as good for the club as the nightclub is good for her. I especially enjoyed Paul Douglas in his fatherly role as nightclub owner and Simmons' protector. The chemistry between opposites Jean Simmons and Douglas' protégé, played by the very handsome and brooding Anthony Franciosa develops well throughout the film so when their lips meet the screen sizzles. Great co-stars, very quirky and well developed. Also got a kick of out the subtle references and euphemisms for sex and virginity as Simmon's sexual experience or lack of it was contrasted with Franciosa's wealth in that area. It was made more than abundantly clear, because otherwise the audience just wouldn't have caught on?? Lastly just wanted to mention that the nightclub's design, atmosphere and musical numbers were well developed. Julie Smith smolders as the veteran lounge singer.

Cast

            Jean Simmons as Anne Leeds

            Paul Douglas as Rocco

            Anthony Franciosa as Tony Armotti

            Julie Wilson as Ivy Corlane

            Neile Adams as Patsy St. Clair

            Joan Blondell as Crystal St. Clair

            J. Carrol Naish as Leon

            Rafael Campos as Hussein Mohammed

            Zasu Pitts as Mrs. Shea

            Tom Helmore as Stowe Devlin

            Murvyn Vye as Waxie London

            Vaughan Taylor as Ziggy Dawlt

            Frank Ferguson as Mr. Shea

            James Todd as Mr. Hallerby

            Archie Savage
            
            June Blair
            
            Richard Collier as Homer

            Walter Davis Jr. as Archie Savage Trio

            Matty Fain as Guest

            Percy Helton as Charlie

            Harry Hines
            
            Edna Holland as Teacher

            Gregg Martell
            
            Andrew Robinson
            
            Lew Smith as Waiter

            Nita Talbot as Chorus Girl

            John Harding as Eduardo

            Neile McQueen as Patsy St. Clair

            Betty Uitti as Sexy Girl

            Paul Peterson as Boy
See full cast