The Shining Hour (1938)

The Shining Hour - 1938

1938's "The Shining Hour" is the subject of our next post.  This story tells of a newlywed couple who return to the groom's home and meet his family.  The reception is somewhat less enthusiastic than expected, and unexpected feelings and events conspire against everyone.

The film's cast includes Joan Crawford, Margaret Sullavan, Robert Young, Melvyn Douglas, Fay Bainter, Allyn Joslyn, Hattie McDaniel, Frank Albertson, George Chandler, Tony De Marco, Bess Flowers, and Frank Puglia.

In New York City, the public is bursting with the news that favorite nightclub dancer Olivia Riley (seen here with her dance partner Van Stillman) is engaged.  The public is fascinated by this revelation, especially with regard to whom the groom is going to be.

Olivia's choice is successful Wisconsin farmer Henry Linden.  He is dazzled by her.  Olivia tries to discourage him from the marriage, but he is insistent and wears her down.  It's obvious that the two are smitten with each other.

Henry's brother David comes to town to meet Olivia on behalf of the family, who remain in Wisconsin.  David and Olivia take an instant dislike of one another.

Each insults the other and David earns himself a famous Joan Crawford slap.  He just smiles at her and says that she's only proving his point that she isn't the right sort of person to be marrying into their family.

The marriage goes ahead, and Henry brings Olivia home to his family farm in Wisconsin.  She meets Henry's older sister Hannah, who is less than welcoming.  "I make it a rule never to trust first impressions," she says to her brother.  "It's too bad I didn't teach you the same."

However, Olivia strikes up an instant friendship with David's wife Judy, who sees Olivia as a sort of ally.

Within the first few hours of being in the Linden family home, Olivia is made to feel horribly unwelcome by both Hannah and David.  The tension is palpable.

However, things take a dramatic turn when David and Olivia begin to spend more time together.  They develop feelings for one another, which intensify with each meeting.

At a neighborhood get-together to celebrate Henry and Olivia, Judy confides to Henry of her deep love for David.  Judy can feel David slipping away from her, but doesn't reveal any of this to Henry.

Hannah uses the party as an opportunity to trade barbs with Olivia, who is just as ready to combat her sister-in-law.  "I’ve endured your petty persecutions, but now I’m tired of them.  So, in the future, if you’re rude to me, I shall be infinitely ruder to you.  The general embarrassment will be considerable," Olivia proclaims as she walks away.

Things get out of control when David and Olivia slip away and kiss in a romantic setting.

Hannah goes to Henry and begs him to take Olivia away.  "Send her away, Henry, before she destroys us all!" Hannah pleads.

Later, Judy confronts Olivia about her relationship with David.  Judy wants her husband to be happy, so she tells Olivia to take him.

That night, Hannah sets fire to the house Henry is building for Olivia.  She is thrilled that Olivia's dream of a home of her own has quite literally gone up in smoke.

Judy makes a desperate decision and runs into the burning building, where she collapses.  Olivia runs in after her and saves her sister-in-law from certain death.  Judy is very badly burned.  Olivia escapes with minor injuries.

When it's all over, Olivia and David put an end to their ill-fated relationship.  Both wish happiness for the other.

David, repented, goes to Judy, who is heavily bandaged, and the two reconcile.

Henry and Olivia decide to chart a new course together, this time in South America.  Tagging along is Olivia's faithful maid Belvedere, who has to take control of the car as the two kiss to close out the film.

Cast rundown:

   Joan Crawford.............................Olivia Riley

   Margaret Sullavan........................Judy Linden

   Robert Young..............................David Linden

   Melvyn Douglas...........................Henry Linden

   Fay Bainter.................................Hannah Linden

   Allyn Joslyn................................Roger Q. Franklin

   Hattie McDaniel...........................Belvedere

   Frank Albertson...........................Benny Collins

   George Chandler..........................Press Agent

   Tony De Marco............................Van Stillman

   Bess Flowers...............................Nurse

   Frank Puglia................................Maurice

And that's it for The Shining Hour.  Originally, this was supposed to star Norma Shearer as Olivia.  However, the part went to Joan Crawford.  Joan improvised some of her lines, using bits and pieces from her own life to give her character some background.  Joan also suggested the studio use Margaret Sullavan in the role of Judy.  When the head of the studio told her that Sullavan could end up being a scene stealer, Joan replied, "I'd rather be a supporting player in a good picture than the star of a bad one."

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