History Is Made at Night
Andrew Sarris describes History Is Made at Night as “not only the most romantic title in the history of the cinema but also a profound expression of Borzage's commitment to love over probability”; or, as David Thompson (“Biographical Dictionary of Films”) words it, “Borzage's serene confidence in the imagination when faced by material destruction.” The story is a drama of jealousy, divorce, and true love discovered. It transcends all the cliches of its type, and stands as a beautifully modulated romance - sensitive where other films would be sentimental or maudlin - and above all, as great and engrossing entertainment. Sarris ranks it among the top three films of its year, 1937.
Charles Boyer portrays the debonaire Parisian head-waiter with whom Jean Arthur falls in love, creating further cause for despicable acts on the part of her already hateful husband, Colin Clive. The film is spiced with clever bits of “kitchen comedy” of the gourmet variety, with Leo Carrillo playing a master chef called The Great Cesare.