History is Made at Night (1937)
One of the most original, funny, charming, dramatic, and romantic films ever made. And no one's ever heard of it. Free on YouTube right now.
There’s no way I could say it better than the hundreds out there who’ve already made their feelings known. Check out some reviews, but be careful of spoilers. I had to leave some of the more journalistic reviews unmentioned to protect you.
'Coco, ask him to ask me to dance.'
Oh gosh. I can't. I am someone who rarely loses hold of herself. Sure, I can get carried away by a movie every once in a while, but rarely to this extent. History is Made at Night pulled the footing right out from under me the moment Jean Arthur uttered her first 'oh' in the taxi, and made me a misty-eyed, sentimental mess. I don't know what took me so long to watch it and I don't care. [….]
From a comment at IMDB:
10/10
High romance, rivaling Casablanca in intensity.
3 January 2005
I can't understand why this film isn't more recognized as a superior example of romantic movie-making. The cast is perfect, the cinematography (with one small exception of back projection that was jarring) is excellent, and the direction superb. Throw in a wonderful evocation of Paris (as good as Midnight), a great score and an incredibly moving final ten minutes and you have perfection. Everything comes together in perfect balance, much like Casablanca, and sadly so few other romantic films. I once asked a new acquaintance his favorite film (he was eighteen at the time). When he responded History is Made at Night, I threw my arms around him and told him he'd won a place in my heart. Three cheers for History is Made at Night, a film that deserves rediscovery.
WATCH THE FULL MOVIE HERE:
History is made at night 1937 ... Charles Boyer :: Jean Arthur | Movie-Buff