Films made in 1934 which are set in 1934 have the advantage of authenticity so they can effortlessly transport you back to 1934. The trouble with historical films is they reflect the time, the style and the technology of when they were made so can't have the luxury of being able to stand alone on their own merits or immerse you into the time and place where they were filmed. To appeal to a modern audience they have to have that something extra to make them special. A Night To Remember is less appealing to our generation than Titanic for example.
Why is this 1934 film still so entertaining now? For a start it's really well made, Alexander Korda splashed the cash on this, he has a clever, witty script, imaginative cinematography, genuine excitement and a whole cast of actors at the very top of their game. Above all however what makes this stand the test of time is the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Despite what you might think, this film is not primarily the story of the dashing adventurer rescuing aristocrats from Robespierre's France, it's mainly about how the extra-curricular activities of Sir Percy affect his relationship and the trust with his French aristocratic wife. Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon are perfectly cast in these roles with the sexual chemistry between them peppered by their real off-screen relationship.
Although some people consider his acting style a little old fashioned, Leslie Howard is as convincing as the dashing and ingenious hero as he is as his irritating, foppish alter-ego. Raymond Massey is suitably menacing as the over-the-top pantomime villain and Merle Oberon is perfect as neglected wife/damsel in distress/heroine. One might wonder how someone as absolutely gorgeous as Merle Oberon could possibly be a neglected wife but the story is strong enough to actually make that seem believable.
Although Hungarian (as was Baroness Orczy, the novel's author), Alexander Korda had acquired a very English sense of humour. This drip feeds through the entirety of this picture. Even in the most sincere, dramatic or romantic scenes there is still that subtle tongue-in-cheek humour. When Merle Oberon is tearfully pleading for love or Raymond Massey is sending victims to their deaths you can see that they're having so much fun. It's that sense of fun which keeps this film alive today.
Why is this 1934 film still so entertaining now? For a start it's really well made, Alexander Korda splashed the cash on this, he has a clever, witty script, imaginative cinematography, genuine excitement and a whole cast of actors at the very top of their game. Above all however what makes this stand the test of time is the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Despite what you might think, this film is not primarily the story of the dashing adventurer rescuing aristocrats from Robespierre's France, it's mainly about how the extra-curricular activities of Sir Percy affect his relationship and the trust with his French aristocratic wife. Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon are perfectly cast in these roles with the sexual chemistry between them peppered by their real off-screen relationship.
Although some people consider his acting style a little old fashioned, Leslie Howard is as convincing as the dashing and ingenious hero as he is as his irritating, foppish alter-ego. Raymond Massey is suitably menacing as the over-the-top pantomime villain and Merle Oberon is perfect as neglected wife/damsel in distress/heroine. One might wonder how someone as absolutely gorgeous as Merle Oberon could possibly be a neglected wife but the story is strong enough to actually make that seem believable.
Although Hungarian (as was Baroness Orczy, the novel's author), Alexander Korda had acquired a very English sense of humour. This drip feeds through the entirety of this picture. Even in the most sincere, dramatic or romantic scenes there is still that subtle tongue-in-cheek humour. When Merle Oberon is tearfully pleading for love or Raymond Massey is sending victims to their deaths you can see that they're having so much fun. It's that sense of fun which keeps this film alive today.