Backdrop preview Turn Off the Moon backdrop
Turn Off the Moon

Turn Off the Moon (1937)

May 14, 1937 1h 19m Comedy

Department store owner J. Elliott Dinwiddy has waited ten years for the perfect astrological moment to propose to his secretary, Myrtle Tweep. His astrological advisor, Dr. Wakefield, has told him that if he can unite a boy and a girl in true love before midnight, he can propose to Myrtle the following night at 3:15 a.m. and she will accept. Fate brings unemployed dancer Caroline Wilson into the music department of Dinwiddy's, where she meets handsome songwriter Terry Keith. Keith has been writing music for Dinwiddy's Silver Jubilee show and has allowed Dinwiddy's nephew, Truelove Spencer, to take all the credit. That night, Terry comes into Dinwiddy's to work on the music and finds Caroline asleep in the Honeymoon Cottage, the section of the department store Spencer supervises. Posing as a man named "Pinky," Dinwiddy promises Caroline that Spencer will hire her as the bride of the Honeymoon Cottage and invites her to live there.

Directed by Lewis Seiler

Cast

View All
Charles Ruggles
View Profile
Charles Ruggles

as J. Elliott Dinwiddy

Eleanore Whitney
View Profile
Eleanore Whitney

as Caroline Wilson

Johnny Downs
View Profile
Johnny Downs

as Terry Keith

Phil Harris
View Profile
Phil Harris

as Himself

Kenny Baker
View Profile
Kenny Baker

as Himself

Ben Blue
View Profile
Ben Blue

as Luke

Marjorie Gateson
View Profile
Marjorie Gateson

as Myrtle Tweep

Grady Sutton
View Profile
Grady Sutton

as Truelove Spencer

Romo Vincent
View Profile
Romo Vincent

as Detective Dugan

Crew

Director
  • Lewis Seiler
Writer
  • Marguerite Roberts
  • Harlan Ware
  • Paul Gerard Smith
Producer
  • Fanchon Royer

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Turn Off the Moon represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Lewis Seiler 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 pacing and visual storytelling 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 Turn Off the Moon took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 102 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 2090 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1937, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: May 14, 1937
  • Runtime: 1h 19m

Similar Movies