Midnight (1939): The Criterion Collection

Many aspects of silent film can be found throughout the history of cinema, even up to now; even if the silent era finished almost 100 years ago in Hollywood. Co-director of South West Silents and Film Noir UK James Harrison explores a film which has two stars from that era thanks to a new release by the Criterion Collection. Plus, you get a chance to win a copy of Criterion's new release of screwball comedy Midnight (1939).

Paris can be a brilliant backdrop for any Hollywood comedy. Ernest Lubitsch (So This is Paris, Design for Living) knew it, Vincente Minnelli (Gigi, An American in Paris) knew it and Billy Wilder (Mauvaise Graine, Irma la Douce) knew it.

But while the script for screwball comedy Midnight (1939) is written by classic writing team, Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett; this Criterion Collection release showcases the work of its director far more, Mitchell Leisen.

There is a really great and informative commentary by Michael Koresky and a number of other supplements which really does showcase Mitchell Leisen's work. One particular extra on the release includes audio interview clips of the Leisen synced up with sections of Midnight. Listening to both extras, you begin to question, should more be done to look into the work of Mitchell Leisen; it almost feels like that there should be some sort of rediscovery of him and maybe this release by Criterion could well be the starting block.

But, of course, a good amount of the magic of Midnight happens on the screen. It has perfect cinematography by Charles Lang and where to really start with such an amazing cast.

Midnight is one of those classics from the 1930s where two Hollywood eras collide; we have two stars from the silent era, John Barrymore and Mary Astor and stars of the then new Hollywood. We have the fast talking Hollywood stars such as the wonderful Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche; also, keep an eye out for the much-underrated but highly watchable Monty Woolley.

This is no way suggesting however that Barrymore and Astor were washed up stars by the time of Midnight was released in 1939. On the contrary, Astor’s star was highly successful throughout after the fall of the silent era and would continue until the fall of the Hollywood Studio System in the early 1960s. If anything, Astor developed even more so after the end of the silent era. She is very much of the class as those new fast talking Hollywood stars. Don't forget her performance in The Maltese Falcon (1941) after all.

The transition from the silent era for Barrymore was very much same; highly successful pictures with continued star successes; once again, an actor who could well be part of that new 'fast talking' Hollywood selection of stars. Don't forget he was a stage actor after all.

However, on a personal level, Barrymore was very much losing control due to his alcohol dependence by the late 1930s. And you can tell when watching him in Midnight; he looks incredibly tired and yet, here he is with a great comic performance. But there is a hint of sadness in that face and it wouldn't come as much as surprise that he would only make four more films before his death in 1942 at the age of 60.

Midnight is a film that does showcase that not all silent film stars fell when the cinema began to talk. Some did survive, and this film really does showcase their talents.

Midnight is just a wonderful escapist dream infused with plenty of whit and laughter throughout. Believe me when I say, if you need cheering up, Midnight will lift your spirits no end.

Thanks to the Criterion Collection UK team we have a brand new copy of Midnight (1939) up for grabs, as well as a Criterion tote bag! Just send us your answer to the question below via our contact page by mid-night on Sunday 13th July to be in with a chance. Good Luck!

Question: Midnight is not the first time, Mary Astor and John Barrymore have been paired up together in a film. Which silent film, from 1926 film did the pair appear in together?