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This Could Be the Night

Released May 14, 1957 1h 44m Romance Comedy List
Tomatometer 3 Reviews 46% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Straitlaced teacher Anne (Jean Simmons) needs extra work, so she becomes a receptionist at a swanky nightclub owned by mobster-turned-businessman Rocco (Paul Douglas), who seems tough but quickly shows his soft side. Before long Anne develops a crush on Rocco's partner, Tony (Anthony Franciosa), a swinging bachelor. Unfortunately, Tony thinks she doesn't fit in at the club and Rocco says she shouldn't get involved with him. Yet Anne is determined to show them both she can hang with their kind.

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This Could Be the Night

Critics Reviews

View All (3) Critics Reviews
Moira Walsh America Magazine The situation is appealing, but unfortunately the plot embellishments added for screen purposes sometimes belie the point made by the original article. Jul 14, 2021 Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Although heavily in debt to the late Damon Runyon for its world of warmhearted hoodlums, this is a brisk and beguiling comedy. Nov 13, 2019 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Even the rhinestones look fake when they sparkle. Rated: C- Jan 26, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (6) audience reviews
mark g Obvious film adaptation of play. The actors are invested, no doubt. But the story does tend to drag in more than a few places, sometimes approaching tedium. Don't get me wrong, there is entertainment value here and it is a polished production. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/11/24 Full Review steve d It is fun in large part due to Simmons. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Joe Pasternak-produced MGM comedy with songs is pleasant but unmemorable; Neile Adams, Julie Wilson and Ray Anthony & His Orchestra all perform in the film. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member ok late cvareer edmund o'brien in a rare comedy from robert wise Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member While the story is on the simplistic side, it was a fun fish-out-of water scenario and I highly enjoyed the performances in this film. Jean Simmons plays a contained school teacher who takes a part-time job working as a secretary in a nightclub. It quickly becomes apparent that she's just as good for the club as the nightclub is good for her. I especially enjoyed Paul Douglas in his fatherly role as nightclub owner and Simmons' protector. The chemistry between opposites Jean Simmons and Douglas' protégé, played by the very handsome and brooding Anthony Franciosa develops well throughout the film so when their lips meet the screen sizzles. Great co-stars, very quirky and well developed. Also got a kick of out the subtle references and euphemisms for sex and virginity as Simmon's sexual experience or lack of it was contrasted with Franciosa's wealth in that area. It was made more than abundantly clear, because otherwise the audience just wouldn't have caught on?? Lastly just wanted to mention that the nightclub's design, atmosphere and musical numbers were well developed. Julie Smith smolders as the veteran lounge singer. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Very entertaining, the cast is great, particularly Joan Blondell. It is a little predictable but always enjoyable. Good score, fine art direction and costumes. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
This Could Be the Night

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis Straitlaced teacher Anne (Jean Simmons) needs extra work, so she becomes a receptionist at a swanky nightclub owned by mobster-turned-businessman Rocco (Paul Douglas), who seems tough but quickly shows his soft side. Before long Anne develops a crush on Rocco's partner, Tony (Anthony Franciosa), a swinging bachelor. Unfortunately, Tony thinks she doesn't fit in at the club and Rocco says she shouldn't get involved with him. Yet Anne is determined to show them both she can hang with their kind.
Director
Robert Wise
Production Co
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 14, 1957, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 10, 2017
Runtime
1h 44m
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