Remember the Night (1940)

A shoplifter and her prosecutor fall in love, creating tensions for his career and family.

Director:

Mitchell Leisen

Writer:

Preston Sturges (original screenplay)

Stars:

Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Beulah Bondi

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Barbara Stanwyck	...	Lee Leander
Fred MacMurray	...	John Sargent
Beulah Bondi	...	Mrs. Sargent
Elizabeth Patterson	...	Aunt Emma
Willard Robertson	...	Francis X. O'Leary
Sterling Holloway	...	Willie
Charles Waldron	...	Judge in New York
Paul Guilfoyle	...	District Attorney
Charles Arnt	...	Tom (as Charlie Arnt)
John Wray	...	Hank
Thomas W. Ross	...	Mr. Emory
Fred 'Snowflake' Toones	...	Rufus (as Snowflake)
Tom Kennedy	...	'Fat' Mike
Georgia Caine	...	Lee's Mother
Virginia Brissac	...	Mrs. Emory

Storyline

Just before Christmas, Lee Leander is caught shoplifting. It is her third offense. She is prosecuted by John Sargent. He postpones the trial because it is hard to get a conviction at Christmas time. But he feels sorry for her and arranges for her bail, and ends up taking her home to his mother for Christmas. Surrounded by a loving family (in stark contrast to Lee's own family background) they fall in love. This creates a new problem: how do they handle the upcoming trial?

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Plot Keywords:

smother mother | manipulative mother | jail sentence | screwball comedy | christmas | 

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Taglines:

THE LAW SAID SHE WAS BAD...HE SAID SHE'S TERRIFIC! (original print ad-all caps)

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 January 1940 (USA)

Also Known As:

Recuerdo de una noche

Filming Locations:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Gross USA:

$167,800, 31 January 1940

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min 86 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film includes a lovely scene where Sterling Holloway, known for being the voice of Winnie the Pooh in Disney films, sings "A Perfect Day". It's quite touching.

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Goofs

When Fred MacMurray is milking the cow, Barbara Stanwyck pushes it knocking the thermos from MacMurray's hand. It falls upside down but when the camera returns it is right side up.

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Quotes

John Sargent: What are you doing here?
Lee Leander: I don't know yet, but I've got a rough idea.
John Sargent: Well, I'm glad you're out...
Lee Leander: Now what do I have to do for it?
John Sargent: Well for one thing, you might say thank you, but if that doesn't fit into your plans let's skip it.

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Connections

Referenced in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: Baby Outlaws (1995)

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Soundtracks

Lily of Laguna
(uncredited)
Written by Leslie Stuart
Played by the band at the barn dance.

User Reviews

One of my favorites

This little sentimental tale is so sweet and heartwarming, I consider it one of my favorite holiday movies. The beginning is a bit slow, the courtroom scene drawn out and ones mind can wander. But once the story begins, it carries viewers back to a time when simpler pleasures where enjoyed. The popcorn, singing around the piano, simple gifts, popovers, canary in the cage, white elephant sale and barn dance all make one long for those days. Who wouldn't like to step into this movie, and go home with John/Jack, snuggle in the flannel gown, in the cozy bed, and have the Mom and Aunt fussing around, seeing to your every need. I give this movie a 10 and believe it is one of the "overlooked" films of the holiday season. I am a great fan of the classics, Miracle on 34th, Wonderful Life, White Christmas and Christmas in Conneticut. But these smaller, lesser known films, are simply grand. Holiday Affair is another to check out, if you want some variety in your viewing.