Customer Reviews

Night & Day [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

One of Broadway's most brilliant songwriters, Cole Porter (1891-1964) worked hard to present an unflappable image to the world--but in truth he was a tremendously complex man, a homosexual who lived with wife Linda Lee Thomas in a marriage of convenience, subject fits of depression, and suffering horrific pain in the wake of a horseback riding accident which left him crippled at the peak of his career. Add to this the fact that his lyrics were often censored for film, radio, and records and it seems very odd that 1940s Hollywood would attempt a biography.

What they did, of course, was fictionalize it to the max, reducing the story of his life to a mix of backstage musical and domestic drama--and transforming the tiny and waspish Porter and his icy bride Linda into handsome Cary Grant and lovely Alexis Smith. The result is pure nonsense, of course, but when you tack in a host of Porter classics--fantasy it might be, but it is entertaining enough to watch.

Grant is no singer, but he has considerable charm, and Smith is as always extremely attractive. The supporting cast is remarkably strong, featuring the likes of Jane Wyman, Eve Arden, Dorothy Malone, and Alan Hale--and rare screen appearances by Monty Woolley and Mary Martin, who deliver knockout performances of "Miss Otis Regrets" and "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" respectively. The DVD transfer is reasonable, and although the bonuses are pure fluff they are amusing. While it may be short on fact with a story little more than pure melodrama, the music and performers make NIGHT AND DAY a reasonably pleasant way to spend a rainy afternoon.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

"Night & Day" is a wonderful musical, a beautiful film displaying Cary Grant's talents, and it has that 'never-to-be-realized-again' Technicolor to its sets that offers that imaginary world so many films offered in the 50s, (although this particular film is from '46).
If the viewer is looking for historical accuracy, it is best to look elsewhere. There is a loose framework of historical accuracy here, but only a skeleton. Porter actually did go to Yale, but only for undergrad. He actually went to Harvard for law school. As far as I know, he was never actually in World War I, although he was in Europe during the war. In addition, the love story is completely and utterly fabricated, although it is "cute" and a nice sub-plot to the film.
The real driving force of the film is definitely the sets, the music, and Grant himself. This is definitely an entertaining fantasy, and I highly recommend it for film buffs, especially those that love Cary Grant.
The new DVD is nicely put together, and it includes a series of Cole Porter trailers, a Dezi Arnez music number, a musical short, and even a Bugs Bunny cartoon.

Story of the adult life of Cole Porter, through his accident on a horse and recouperation.

Regarding him and his spouse, what were these two people really like, and their marriage? We'll never know from this movie, which portrays them in a one-dimensional, saccharin mode.

Grant tries to rise above the script and almost does. Alexis Smith simply sinks.

The film's saving grace is the fabulous music. The production numbers are more than gratifying, Ginny Simms and Jane Wyman being the main performers.

But remember Mary Martin, the gem of our American theatre? She steals the whole film with only scene wherein she belts out "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" to remind us how thrilling and awesome her talent really was. Worth the film just to see this!

Anyone who is either a fan of Cary Grant or Cole Porter's music "must see" this movie! It is not just "adequately done" as other reviewers have said. It is superb, especially "I've Got You Under My Skin" one of the many great songs that you will be singing or humming to yourself long after you watched the movie. Let alone the title song, "Night and Day." We laughed and cried as the life story of Cole Porter was portrayed with finesse by Cary Grant. You will love the ending!

Though this film is probably nothing like the real true stoy of Cole Portor's life, it is still entertaining and colorful, with great soongs and costumes. Cary Grant, really shine in this film. It's a great musical with lots of song, dance, and pretty costumes with color.

I haven't seen the video becuase I've never been able to find it until now. I've seen the movie many times and think it's one of the best I've ever seen. I thank Amazon.Com for having it available.

Those reviewers who warn and complain about the highly fictionalized version of Cole Porter's life in this movie are absolutely correct, but that is one of the central points of the movie. For a more complete portrait of one of America's greatest composers, I urge you to see another magnificent, but terribly under-appreciated film on the dual nature of Porter's life and music--"De Lovely." Both Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd do a wonderful job of portraying the complicated nature of Porter and his relationship with his wife, Linda Lee Thomas, as well as the importance of their relationship for the evolution of Porter's wonderful music. The movie is even more fun because the musical score is sung by a Hall of Fame pop musical and Broadway theater cast dressed in period costumes and making all of Porter's greatest songs come to life. The combination of both "De Lovely" and "Night and Day" will make clear all of the different aspects of Porter's life and highlight the changes over the years in Hollywood's biographical portrayals

This "bio" of Cole Porter was produced in an era (pre-50's)when certain personal lifestyles were not discussed and certainly not accepted. Thus, you get a squeaky clean Cary Grant as Cole Porter. But it's the music and the presentation of the music that I've always liked. Just writing this review has me humming "Night and Day" and thinking about "When they begin the Beguine".

This is a classy musical combined with a love story that was well done. Cary Grant is great and the music staged in appealing ways. Do not hesitate to recommend this movie.

The video was very enjoyable and of high quality graphics consistent with the time period. The condition of the video was excellent.