History Is Made at Night

A bizarre movie from Borzage, who invades the sophisticated territory of Lubitsch and Leisen - Paris hotels, cruise liners, impersonations, two-timing wives, jealous husbands - and turns it all into a romantic thriller, complete with an ending that recalls A Night to Remember. Jean Arthur's marriage to Colin Clive is on the rocks, and suave Boyer - a waiter who poses as a thief, later turning up as patron of a Manhattan restaurant - comes to her rescue. Emotions run high, implausibilities pile up, Borzage keeps the motor running, and the stars - especially the rather neglected Arthur, who is now a Carmelite recluse - are immensely watchable.