Claudette Colbert, Robert Cummings & Don Ameche in "Sleep, My Love" (1948) - feat. Raymond Burr
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- Chronic sleepwalker Alison Courtland (Claudette Colbert), a wealthy New Yorker, hasn't a clue how she ended up on a train bound for Boston. When she phones her husband, Richard (Don Ameche), the police listen in and overhear that she had threatened him with a gun. On a flight home, fellow passenger Bruce Elcott (Robert Cummings) is attracted to Alison. Elcott, it turns out, knows one of her good friends.
Back home, Richard makes Alison agree to start seeing a psychiatrist, Dr. Rhinehart (Ralph Morgan). However, the 'doctor' who shows up at the house for their first appointment is not Rhinehart, but Charles Vernay (George Coulouris), a photographer hired by Richard, who is having an affair with another woman, Daphne (Hazel Brooks), and hopes to get rid of Alison for good.
Richard's scheme is to drive Alison to suicide and thus inherit her wealth. Elcott, who has come to suspect there is some kind of purposeful plan afoot to confuse and distress Alison, arrives just in time to find her, apparently under hypnosis, about to leap from a balcony to her death. Elcott discovers Vernay's role in the situation. Richard, meanwhile, attempts to drug Alison and make her kill the doctor herself.
Vernay realizes he has been betrayed and shoots Richard. Vernay is later killed by falling through a skylight while being chased by Elcott, after which Elcott and Alison are able to be together in peace.
A 1948 American Black & White film-noir mystery film directed by Douglas Sirk, produced by Ralph Cohn, Mary Pickford, Charles 'Buddy' Rogers, screenplay by St. Clair McKelway, Leo Rosten, based on Leo Rosten's 1946 novel of the same name, cinematography by Joseph A. Valentine, starring Claudette Colbert, Robert Cummings, Don Ameche, Rita Johnson, George Coulouris, Queenie Smith, Ralph Morgan, Keye Luke, Fred Nurney, Raymond Burr, Hazel Brooks, and Edgar Dearing.
When this was filmed, Claudette Colbert was 43, Don Ameche was 39 and Robert Cummings was 37.
Screen rights for the story, which was written by Leo Rosten and had been serialized in magazines, were purchased by Triangle Productions in November 1946. Rosten wrote the first screenplay but The New Yorker writer St. Clair McKelway was recruited to contribute to the final version.
The film was produced by Mary Pickford, her husband 'Buddy' Rogers and Ralph Cohn. It was Pickford's first film activity in 12 years since "The Gay Desperado" (1936), although Cohn and Rogers had produced films for Comet Productions. Pickford was involved in approving the cast and script. In December 1946, the production company approached Richard Ney to head the cast. In April 1947, Don Ameche was signed as the star and Douglas Sirk agreed to direct before Claudette Colbert and Robert Cummings were added to the cast.
14 years earlier, Claudette Colbert starred in "Imitation of Life" (1934), with prominent scenes on a balcony with nearly the same view onto the Queensboro bridge. "Imitation of Life" was later remade into the more famous 1959 version by the director of this film, Douglas Sirk.
Douglas Sirk (1897 - 1987), born Hans Detlef Sierck, was a German film director best known for his work in Hollywood melodramas of the 1950s. However, he also directed comedies, westerns, and war films. Sirk started his career in Germany as a stage and screen director, but he left for Hollywood in 1937 after his Jewish wife was persecuted by the Nazis. In the 1950s, he achieved his greatest commercial success with film melodramas. His work is seen as a critique of the bourgeoisie in general and of 1950s America in particular, while painting a compassionate portrait of characters trapped by social conditions. Beyond the surface of the film, Sirk worked with complex mise-en-scène and lush Technicolor to underline his statements.
The world premiere was on January 12, 1948, in Ottawa, Canada as a benefit to help children in Europe. Mary Pickford delivered a speech about the plight of the children.
In a contemporary review for The New York Times, critic A. H. Weiler wrote, "As the latest arrival on an extremely long line of psychological melodramas, "Sleep, My Love" is a sleek entry which manages to run its course without coming a cropper. An intelligent script, facilely handled, for the most part, helps matters along but a general lack of suspense, familiar plot and somewhat uneven direction keep "Sleep, My Love" ... a fairly obvious chapter in cinema psychology. Whether the hypnotic procedures used by the producers will gratify the Adler, Jung and Freud schools or give those professional gentlemen an aggravated anxiety neurosis, is hard to say. ... "Sleep, My Love" can be marked down as a generally competent job. which has its absorbing moments but which hasn't strayed much from the norm."
Variety's review concluded: "Sleep, My Love manages a fair share of suspense and adds up to okay melodrama. Plot gets off to a strong start and windup is high melodrama that brings off the finale on a fast note."
Claudette Colbert - perfect in dramatic roles, perfect in comedic roles.
What a beautiful, talented and classy lady she was.
Roger that. Thanks for watching.
I commented that Don Ameche is a class act on the Trading Places video and then RUclips decides to offer me this gem, it is uncanny!
Ha! It is an algorithm. Welcome.
@@DonaldPBorchersOGIt truly is, watching this movie that I never knew existed.
RUclips didn't have anything to do with it, it was Donald P Borchers who uploaded it.
Ya he was. I read that apolized everytime he had to cuss.
For another facet of Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert chemistry, I recommend Midnight, a comedy they made together along with John Barrymore. Don Ameche as a taxi driver in Paris chasing after Claudette Colbert whose aim is to bag a rich society husband, despite being penniless herself.
These actors portrayed their characters with sophistication. The costumes, hair and make-up, speech and settings all came together in this timeless classic. Claudette Colbert was talented in both drama and comedy, what a beauty she was.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Raymond Burr knows before it even happens 😊 Rita Johnson was such a joy in every production she was in.
Thanks for watching.
Thanks Mr. D.P. Borchers. Enjoying all these fab old movies you're posting for our viewing pleasure.
You are indeed spoiling us!
Welcome. I appreciate your support. Thank you.
Why is it that I never get tired of these old films? Wasn't Claudette Colbert garments beautiful in this film? Wonderful.
Welcome. I post 1940s movies here: ruclips.net/p/PLk3CReZFhoBeBy_sp9bjwIeMvW_JZ57B_
Such a exciting movie. I've seen this numerous times, and you are always in for a good ride w/this one! Colbert is so charming & a great actress. I love Robert Cummings, also. Back in the day when almost only well to do ppl traveled, and they all dressed up in suit & dresses.
The evil elite are trying their best to bring back those days.
It's true back then..you had to have money to travel..these days nearly everybody travels..but where do they get all their MONEY..BEATS ME because there's NOT MUCH OF IT AROUND??😮
@@merewynyard5813 LOL! Certainly not under the current admin.
You’re right! Bring back the last administration. More tax breaks for the rich 👏👏👍
@@CB-zf5wt I never mentioned politics at all.
Loved this! I vaguely remember seeing this as a kid on tv. Wonderful performances. Why were there SO MANY films in the 1940's about evil husbands trying to kill their wives?? Such a great supporting cast in this; Rita Johnson the black maid who was also in "It's a Wonderful Life", Raymond Burr, always good and a small part for Ralph Morgan as the real psychiatrist, he was the brother of Frank Morgan the Wizard of Oz, and Jimmy Dodd the elevator boy who later was one of the original Mouseketeers on tv. Thanks for this.
Welcome, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Claudette Colbert must have had the best Cheek bones in the world. I love the sets, especially the amazing "floating staircase", which they made use of often in this movie. Raymond Burr was a treat, too. The whole thing is a class act that has been replaced by... you know. Enjoy!
Glad you enjoyed it! Welcome.
Premiered in Ottawa eh....Who knew, I live there.....Saw the movie last nite and thought it was such a delightful performance by Claudette Colbert that I checked it out to see when etc. Her acting especially when she is a bit tipsy is unique and most charming.....what about the fashions...oh my
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
🥰Thank you 👍Great movie , great cast , nice to see a favorite player , James Flavin .🥰Good information to read . 🥰
Welcome. I try. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it.
Whatever Claudette Colbert touched turned to gold. "Sleep my love" is another fine film with top-notch performances by the wonderful Ms. Colbert, plus Robert Cummings and Don Ameche. The plot isn't new: a husband who falls out of love with his wife gets entangled with a younger woman of easy virtue. He tries ways to get rid of his wife with slow poison in her drink before she sleeps. This causes her to have hallucinations that lands her in strange places His wife is very wealthy and once she is out of the way, he plans to live his life in luxury with his young squeeze. The theme of this film is reminiscent of Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer and Joseph Cotton. Barbara Stanwyck too played in a similar type of film. The last film that adopted the exact-same theme was in the early 60's with "Midnight Lace" starring Doris Day, John Gavin and Rex Harrison. Despite several remakes over the years, Ms. Colbert transcends any comparisons with her natural ease that commands viewers to enjoy every moment of her performance(s)! A true classic lady of the silver screen!
😮😮😮😮😮😮7j
Spoiled again 😳🇨🇦
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I just finished watching this. Excellent movie. Great acting and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the film, love Claudette Colbert ! ❤
Roger that. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for these old movies, ilove all the actors and actresses. Mystery and suspense movies are my favorite 😊
Welcome. I appreciate your support.
Love the positive comments to the clueless elevator boy.
That kid later went on to be the host and performer on the original Mickey Mouse Club on TV.
Roger that. Thanks for watching.
Im glad I subscribed. Im loving these old movies. Thank you!
Welcome, and thanks for the sub. I appreciate your support.
Thank you very much
Welcome.
Superb cast, beautifully shot and directed with a fine eye for detail. I'm surprised I hadn't seen this one before. On a technical side there were some interesting process shots in this film as well.
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for sharing that.
Claudette did an outstanding job of acting drunk. I would expect melodrama from that era, and acting over the top; something like Foster Brooks would do. But she was great. And of course...'love that Bob!! ( bonus points if you know what that refers to)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful movie!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Her gowns are ravishing.
Roger that. Thanks for watching.
I like this, will watch it again!!
GOOD BOY he looks about 30😂
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your support.
Спасибо за загрузку этого фильма, понравился сюжет , старые фильмы супер, thanks you very much
Welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
Amo muito filmes desse gênero e o canal é um dos melhores que tenho pra assistir meus filmes favoritos, obrigado pela postagem, Santa Catarina prestigiando seu excelente canal!
Welcome. Glad you enjoyed it! I post movies from the 1940s here: ruclips.net/p/PLk3CReZFhoBeBy_sp9bjwIeMvW_JZ57B_
great movie
Glad you enjoyed it!
Quite a cast.
Roger that. Thanks for watching.
This is like “Sudden Passage.” On that one, the lady is on a ship.
Roger that.
Mary Pickford had an independent production company outside of United Artists? Who knew? ;)
That might sound surprising, but it's true. Thanks for the visit!
I love Claudette Colbert in any movie. Never seen this one. First time I've seen Don And he being the bad guy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
"Turn those machines back on!!!"
Actually, if the machines stayed off.
We might have missed great movies like: Wall Street, Boiler Room, Margin Call, The Big Short, Bonfire of the Vantities.
Heck, even the Wisard of Oz was a documentary of banksters.
BTW: This is a good movie of evil intentions of the most gentle persuasion.
Thanks for the visit!
Who's Gas-Lighting Whom?
Win or lose, the last of the Courtlands was going to have to leave the family mansion on Sutton Place!
PS. It is interesting to note that in this 1948 movie it was possible for the Cummings character to plan on returning to China with his "brother" because the country had not yet been "lost" to Mao's Reds, an event that occurred the following year.
- -
Thanks for sharing that.
Life was weird in the 1900’s. Imagine how this plot would have differed if everyone had cell phones.
That's an interesting thought. Thanks for watching.
I enjoy thoroughly this ingenious thriller murders mystery of a masterpiece!! I loved. Claudette. Colbert&. Don. Ameche.. He was a stinker,!! And. Tj ert. Cummings!! Lucky. Me. Chris. Day and. Beach. Lart. Annette. Frankie. Avalon and the.gang!!! I admired how he taken care of himself!! The groom wife spurs!!! with. Barbara. Stanwyck Rhonda. Prater for Turner. Classics !!!
That's not. Chris. Doris. Day m
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I sometimes feel that an actor’s true character can shine through. Claudette Colbert strikes me as being charming and kind. An appearance on ‘What’s My Line’ reinforced that view. Very unscientific, I know.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
@@DonaldPBorchersOG You are welcome! Thanks for posting this for an audience that appreciates old movies.
@@swissotto1 FYI - I post 1940s movies here: ruclips.net/p/PLk3CReZFhoBeBy_sp9bjwIeMvW_JZ57B_
The sleeper from NYC to Boston? The trip is just 6 hours... oh well. ❤ this film. Great cast. Love Hazel Court. Don and Hazel make more sense than he and Claudette. Daphne doesn't like waiting...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It's Hazel Brooks, not Hazel Court.
Claudette 45, Ameche 40, Cummings 38 years old in 1948
Thanks for the info!
Mary Pickford Productions 👊
Thanks for the visit!
Don't like seeing Don Ameche as "the bad guy"
No it's too sad. He's best in a comedy like Heaven Can Wait.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
America, where are you?
I hear you. Thanks for watching.
💚🙏😇🙏💚
👍
I hate gaslighting plots.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Why didn't he say. This is my wife's room* why?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Meh. Was getting bored -especially hearing Don Ameche's mistress constantly calling his criminal collaborator friend "four eyes"👓
Kept trying to figure out if, back then, women wore their hair to fit their hat -- or bought hats to fit their hairdo.
Either way, wonder if Claudette's unattractive & tightly-curled matriarchal hairdo was real or a wig🤔💭
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.