"The book is a film that takes place in the mind of the reader." ~ Paulo Coelho

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Movie Review: That Midnight Kiss (1949)

Buongiorno!

"Why, if it isn't Ethel Barrymore!"
It actually is!

That quote is from the movie Singin' in the Rain (1952) (aka my favorite movie of all time), and I've used it a few times here, and I always say "Actually, Drew Barrymore", but today I am finally reviewing a movie with Ethel herself!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.


That Midnight Kiss (1949):
Prudence loves to sing and after five years of training, her grandmother supports her to get her into an opera. She gets to sing with a very famous performer, but he is very disagreeable. She meets Johnny, a delivery man, who is energetic and also a very talented singer. She wants to get him to be in the show, and they are really fond of each other, but things keep happening that draw them apart. Will they ever both sing on stage?
Genre: Musical, Romance.
Length: approx. 96 minutes.
Costumes: 9, there are some really pretty ones, especially for the opera pieces.
Costumes by: Helen Rose.
Script: 10, no bad words!
Crew:
Directed by: Norman Taurog.
Written by: Bruce Manning & Tamara Hovey.
Starring:
Kathryn Grayson as Prudence Budell.
Mario Lanza as Johnny Donnetti.
Ethel Barrymore as Abigail Trent Budell.
José Iturbi as Himself.
Keenan Wynn as Artie Glenson.
J. Carrol Naish as Papa Donnetti.
Jules Munshin as Michael Pemberton.
Thomas Gomez as Guido Russino Betelli.
Marjorie Reynolds as Mary.
Arthur Treacher as Hutchins.
Mimi Aguglia as Mamma Donnetti.
Amparo Iturbi as Himself.
Bridget Carr as Donna Donnetti.
Amparo Ballester as Rosina Donnetti.
Cinematography: 8, The colors are nice and there are some cool angles.
Cinematography by: Robert L. Surtees.
Music: 10! I can't sing to save my life, but all of these people were AMAZING! Opera, no less! The music was definitely my favorite part!
Music by: Charles Previn & Conrad Salinger.
Quotes: 8.
Notes: At one time they drive past a movie theater and it says that In the Good Old Summertime starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson is playing. Fun, right?
Storyline: 8, There is some smoking, and kissing, but if you are watching a movie called That Midnight Kiss, what do you expect?
Good For: Opera lovers, romance lovers.
Age Range: It is perfectly clean, so any age would be fine with watching it, but depending on the person they might be bored if they don't like opera.
Overall Score: 8.
Bonus thoughts:
As I said before, the music was fantastic! It was a little "mushy" for me personally (Romance isn't my favorite genre), but it was cute! Other favorite parts were the comic relief by Keenan Wyn and Jules Munshin.


Why am I reviewing this today? Why, it is The Fifth Annual Barrymore Trilogy Blogathon, hosted by In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood, and Pale Writer!
As I mentioned, the last two years I have featured Drew Barrymore, so it was fun to actually participate with one of the Trio! I really liked to seeing Ethel as Prudence's grandmother, Abigail Trent Budell, who is a little stern, but very loving.

Thanks to Crystal and Gabriela for hosting this! And thank you for reading!!

MovieCritic

6 comments:

  1. I think this movie is adorable. Mario Lanza is incredible, and Kathryn so beautiful - and what a voice!

    Ethel was the perfect actress to embody such a classy lady as Prudence.

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    1. It was! When it started I groaned, and thought "Why am I watching this?", but I really enjoyed it! The singing was spectacular!

      She definitely was! I look forward to seeing her in more things!

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  2. Romance isn't my favorite genre either, but this sounds like a nice movie. ;)

    astorydetective.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. It is! I can't stop talking about the singing, and there are a lot of funny bits, too. If you ever see it let me know! :)

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  3. I know KATHRYN GRAYSON from SHOW BOAT with HOWARD KEEL. I saw ETHEL BARRYMORE in the movie PINKY which is in black and white and stars JEANNE CRAIN. Have you seen either of those? Classic TV Fan

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    Replies
    1. Hey, Classic TV Fan! I have seen Show Boat once before and liked it, but I have never seen Pinky! I think that this is the only Ethel Barrymore movie that I've seen.

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