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TogglePrepare for a whirlwind of laughter with This Is the Night, a zany screwball comedy classic from 1932, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, starring the comedic genius Roland Young, captures the sheer absurdity and delightful chaos of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking lighthearted entertainment, this HD download brings a forgotten gem of pre-Code Hollywood to your screen.
This Is the Night centers around Professor Gerald Hawkes (Roland Young), a meek and mild-mannered academic whose life is thrown into turmoil by his wife Claire’s (Lily Damita) flirtatious nature and his own well-intentioned but misguided attempts to protect her reputation.When Claire travels to Paris to visit her former flame, the Olympic javelin thrower Jacques (Cary Grant, in an early role), Gerald, aided by his mischievous friend Bunny Watson (Charlie Ruggles), embarks on a series of increasingly absurd schemes to keep Claire out of trouble and maintain appearances. Mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings, and slapstick humor abound as Gerald’s efforts lead to a cascade of hilarious consequences. The film explores themes of jealousy, fidelity, and the ridiculous lengths people will go to for love. Ultimately, This Is the Night is a celebration of comedic chaos and the unpredictable nature of human relationships.
The film features a brilliant comedic cast who bring this madcap story to life:
This Is the Night falls squarely into the genre of pre-Code screwball comedy, known for its fast-paced dialogue, zany situations, and over-the-top characters. Its lighthearted and absurd humor makes it a delightful and entertaining film.
Released in 1932, This Is the Night exemplifies the freedom and irreverence of pre-Code Hollywood. The film’s suggestive humor, playful exploration of marital infidelity, and lack of moralizing reflect the more permissive attitudes of the era before stricter censorship guidelines were enforced. Its emphasis on laughter and escapism resonated with audiences during the Great Depression, providing a welcome distraction from economic hardship. The film’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless comedic situations and its celebration of human folly.
This colorized version of This Is the Night has been meticulously restored using modern digital techniques, enhancing the visual appeal while preserving the film’s original comedic timing and energy. The colorization process involved carefully analyzing the grayscale tones of the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene. While the specific software used remains proprietary, the techniques employed included advanced algorithms for color palette selection and image enhancement. This painstaking process brings new life to the characters and settings, making the story even more engaging for modern audiences. While some may debate the merits of colorizing classic films, it introduces these films to a broader audience, ensuring their legacy for future generations.
This Is the Night (1932) is celebrated for its witty dialogue, fast-paced action, and brilliant comedic performances, particularly Roland Young’s portrayal of the flustered Professor Hawkes. While not as widely known as some of the era’s other screwball comedies, it remains a delightful example of the genre’s unique blend of chaos and charm. As a rediscovered gem, it offers a fresh perspective on the comedies of early Hollywood. Frank Tuttle’s direction creates a lively and entertaining experience.
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