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- Night Nurse 1931 Colorized
Synopsis
Grit, Glamour, and Danger: Night Nurse (1931) in Vivid Color
Step into the shadowy world of early 1930s cinema with Night Nurse, a riveting pre-code crime mystery drama now beautifully colorized for a new generation. Directed by William A. Wellman, this Warner Bros. classic delivers a potent mix of suspense, social commentary, and raw emotion, all set against the backdrop of a bustling city hospital. With a fearless performance by Barbara Stanwyck and a chilling turn from Clark Gable, Night Nurse stands as one of the most daring and provocative films of its era.
Night Nurse Storyline: Innocence in Peril, Courage on the Night Shift
Night Nurse follows the journey of Lora Hart, a determined young woman who, despite lacking formal qualifications, lands a trainee nurse position at a city hospital after charming the chief of staff. She quickly befriends the wisecracking Miss Maloney, and together they navigate the gritty realities of night duty, where the city’s underbelly often collides with the world of medicine.
After graduation, Lora is assigned as a private nurse to two frail little girls, Nanny and Desney Ritchey, in a wealthy but troubled home. The children’s mother, Mrs. Ritchey, is lost in a haze of parties and alcohol, while the imposing chauffeur Nick, played with menacing charisma by Clark Gable, exerts a sinister influence over the household. Lora soon uncovers a horrifying plot: the children are being deliberately starved by their own doctor and Nick, who hope to seize the girls’ trust fund by orchestrating their deaths.
Determined to save her young charges, Lora risks her career and safety, enlisting the help of Mortie, a small-time bootlegger with a heart of gold. Together, they race against time, battling not just the villains within the mansion but also the indifference of the medical establishment. The film’s tension builds to a dramatic climax, where Lora’s courage and Mortie’s street smarts prove to be the children’s last hope.
Movie Cast
Night Nurse boasts a powerhouse cast that brings its dark tale to life:
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Barbara Stanwyck as Lora Hart
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Joan Blondell as Miss Maloney
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Clark Gable as Nick, the chauffeur
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Ben Lyon as Mortie
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Charlotte Merriam as Mrs. Ritchey
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Ralf Harolde as Dr. Milton Ranger
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Charles Winninger as Dr. Arthur Bell
Movie Genre
Night Nurse is a pre-code crime mystery drama, blending elements of suspense, social realism, and melodrama. Its unflinching portrayal of corruption and vulnerability in both the medical and domestic spheres makes it a standout in early 1930s American cinema.
Historical Context: Pre-Code Hollywood’s Boldest Moments
Released in 1931 during Hollywood’s pre-code era, Night Nurse pushed boundaries with its depiction of violence, moral ambiguity, and adult themes. The film shines a spotlight on issues like child endangerment, medical ethics, and the failures of authority, all while delivering the kind of risqué content and social critique that would soon be suppressed by the Hays Code.
Barbara Stanwyck’s portrayal of Lora Hart exemplifies the era’s new breed of strong, independent female protagonists, while Clark Gable’s villainous turn as Nick foreshadows his rise to stardom. The film’s mix of gritty realism and sensational drama made it both controversial and influential, paving the way for future noir and crime dramas.
Colorization Details
This colorized edition of Night Nurse has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved careful analysis of the original black and white frames, with color palettes chosen to enhance the film’s moody atmosphere and period detail. The result is a vibrant new look that brings the shadowy hospital corridors, opulent mansions, and 1930s fashion to life, making the suspense and emotion even more immediate for today’s viewers.
Technical Details
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Director: William A. Wellman
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Screenplay: Charles Kenyon
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Based on: the novel by Dora Macy
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Cinematography: Barney McGill
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Edited by: George Amy
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Production Company: Warner Bros.
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Distributed by: Warner Bros.
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Runtime: 72 minutes
Technical Specifications
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Download Format: MP4
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Resolution: HD (1080p)
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Compatibility: Works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Night Nurse was a sensation upon release, praised for its daring subject matter and Stanwyck’s electrifying performance. Critics and audiences alike were gripped by its blend of suspense and social critique, and the film remains a favorite among fans of pre-code Hollywood. Its influence can be seen in later nurse dramas, film noir, and stories of female empowerment.
The chemistry between Stanwyck and Blondell, the shocking brutality of Gable’s villain, and the film’s unvarnished look at the dark side of privilege have all contributed to its lasting reputation. Night Nurse is often cited as one of the essential pre-code thrillers, a must-see for fans of classic cinema.
FAQs
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Q: Is Night Nurse based on a true story?
A: While not based on specific real events, the film draws on real social anxieties and exposes the vulnerabilities of children and women in a corrupt system. -
Q: What makes Night Nurse a pre-code film?
A: Its frank depiction of violence, child endangerment, and adult themes, as well as scenes of undressing and moral ambiguity, mark it as a classic of the pre-code era. -
Q: Who are the main stars of Night Nurse?
A: Barbara Stanwyck leads the cast, with Joan Blondell as her wisecracking friend and Clark Gable in a chilling early role. -
Q: Is this version of Night Nurse colorized?
A: Yes, this edition has been professionally colorized to enhance the viewing experience. -
Q: What is the download format?
A: The download is provided in HD (1080p) MP4 format, compatible with most modern devices.
Download Now in HD!
Experience the suspense and intrigue of Night Nurse (1931) in stunning color—download your HD copy today!
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