This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

A lot of fun.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

Some lists of screwball comedies include this 1939 film that stars Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche and John Barrymore. I think it's a bit iffy for that category – it lacks the long strings of crazy antics that define the top comedies considered "screwball." But regardless, this is a gem of a movie and wonderful comedy. I agree with the other reviewers who note the scene-steeling of John Barrymore. He made only four more films after this one before his death. "Midnight" is his last very good or great film. Colbert and Ameche are excellent in their roles as Eve Peabody (aka, the Baroness Czerny) and Tibor Czerny. Mary Astor, Francis Lederer and Rex O'Malley give very good performances in their roles. But the interplay between Barrymore's Georges Flammarion and Colbert's Eve is the stuff that makes for great comedy. I purchased this film for my library and the DVD had a nice introduction that explained the considerable difficulty in the making of the film. It was mostly about conflicts among directors and writers and with some actors. I appreciate and enjoy these inside looks at movie making from time to time. The fact that Barrymore could no longer remember his lines and had to use cue cards makes one appreciate that much more the great talent of this actor in performing his roles. John Barrymore was known for his great ad-libbing in films – that enhanced his roles of all genres. Of all the stage and screen Barrymores, John is the only one who didn't win major awards. Siblings Lionel and Ethel each won Oscars. His personal life was chaotic and his four marriages each lasted no more than a few years. Drinking took its toll and he died at age 60 from cirrhosis of the liver and pneumonia. According to biographers, Barrymore had a conversion and reverted to his Catholic faith before he died. Barrymore appeared in 65 films. He began in the silent era and continued his fame in sound films. More than half of his films were with sound. He was equally at home in comedy, drama and mysteries. All of his sound films are a treat to watch. He has to be on any list of the best actors of all time.

This is one of those films made during the 1930's that have been called a screwball comedy. It is lighthearted and funny guaranteed to keep you in stitches and is suitable for the entire family. On the introduction given by Robert Osborne for the DVD release,he states that John Barrymore refused to learn his lines and read everything off cue cards but the audience was never aware of it. Barrymore also had a habit of stealing every scene he was in. That is the mark of a true professional! Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert make this movie so enjoyable and the acting of John Barrymore,Francis Lederer,Mary Astor,Elaine Barrie,Monty Woolley,and Heda Hopper provides 95 minutes of great entertainment! The movie was filmed by Paramount then later sold to Universal Studios who has it available now on DVD in their Cinema Classics collection. I recommend "Midnight" for anyone who has a serious interest in old classic movies!

Whoever wrote this deserves a lot of credit. Of course, with such a great cast, they're able to pull this one off. The problem with this wise-cracking film is the end. It is silly and in a way a cop out as well.What a premise! A chorus girl in Paris becomes involved in a plot by a jealous wealthy man to break up the liaison between his wife and her lover. Our rich guy goes so far as to set up the chorus lady as a wife of a baron. All Hades breaks lose when the cab driver shows up as the baron.Claudette Colbert just shines as our lady baroness, and Don Ameche is perfect as the cab driver-turned-baron. In fact, when he is in the car, note the gleam in his eyes. Mary Astor, as the wealthy woman, carrying on with Francis Lederer, displays her usual suspicious, nasty character. John Barrymore, as the jealous husband, is humorous. Remember when he killed in a jealous rage in the Nelson Eddy-Jeanette MacDonald film of 1937? Barrymore certainly proved that he was adept at comedy as well.

Claudette Colbert at her best, playing a down-on-her-luck singer in Paris who is mistaken for a member of Hungarian royalty; she goes along with the deception, but only to help wealthy John Barrymore out of his marital fix. Tightly-wound screwball farce written by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder, from a story by Edwin Justus Mayer and Franz Schulz (with such a distinguished pedigree, the movie has to reach some high expectations--and does so joyfully). Directed in an efficient, brisk manner by Mitchell Leisen, with superb performances by the cast and pleasant, airy surroundings. Remade in 1945 as "Masquerade in Mexico". *** from ****