Cast
View All
Mary Ellis
as Melitza Hjos
Otto Kruger
as King Stefan
Victor Jory
as Baron Lyadeff
Barry MacKay
as Anthony Allan
Trefor Jones
as Lorenti
Maire O'Neill
as Phoebe
Anthony Holles
as Maestro
Charles Carson
as Otto
Felix Aylmer
as Diplomat
Finlay Currie
as Angus MacKintosh
Jeanne Carpenter
as Undetermined Role (uncredited)
Raymond Lovell
as Ship's Officer (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Brian Desmond Hurst
Producer
- Walter C. Mycroft
Reviews
CinemaSerf
It was probably a little unfortunate for soprano Mary Ellis (who only died in 2003 - aged 105!) that opportunities to star in these kinds of semi-operatic films were starting to become thin on the ground. Partnered with Otto Kruger ("King Stefan" - who has shades of Leslie Howard about his, I thought)) she portrays the Gypsy leader "Melitza"; his lover and supporter against the ruthless Prime Minister "Lyadeff" (Victor Jory). It turns out that the scheming PM knows that there be oil in them thar hills, it's just that despite hiring two experienced oil men - Barry MacKay and Finlay Currie, he is struggling to find it. One of her people sees an eye for an easy fortune and tells the Minister that the oil is actually on their land, and soon some treasonous shenanigans are afoot to remove the king, his lover and exploit these resources. It'a got a hint of menace to it, but essentially it's a gentle adaptation of a short play with a couple of decently performed (if oft repeated) musical numbers from Ivor Novello and Christopher Hassall. The quality of the production has suffered a bit with age, but it is certainly not lacking in creative ambition and I rather enjoyed it.
Jun 20, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Glamorous Night examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Brian Desmond Hurst brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1937, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Glamorous Night took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 107 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 159 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1937, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Glamorous Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Gypsy Girl, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Glamorous Night offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Elena and Her Men and Banjaran explore similar territory, Glamorous Night stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 28, 1937
- Runtime: 1h 21m
