This was Ramon Novarro's last starring role for MGM. Many of the silent era's leading men lost popularity with the transition to sound-- John Gilbert and William Haines also come to mind. Novarro lasted longer than these two, but after a flop with Jeanette MacDonald in 1934, the writing was on the wall. THE NIGHT IS YOUNG, filmed in late '34 and released the second week of January 1935, would be his swan song at the studio.
He's paired with British musical actress Evelyn Laye. If we are to compare her to the above-mentioned Miss MacDonald, I would say that Miss Laye exhibits a lot more spontaneity. She's totally charming, entirely in sync with Novarro. Though Novarro generates no real sparks with her.
One thing that didn't make sense to me was why Metro used a story by German writer Vicki Baum about a ballerina. If Laye is an opera singer in Europe, then why not tailor a story about her as a singer. It seems odd that Novarro's character falls for her while attending the ballet instead of becoming smitten by her at the opera.
Later she moves into his Austrian residence as a mistress of sorts. These references are muted, since the production code is in effect. As time goes by he becomes more charmed by her, especially when he notes the gaiety she demonstrates while singing and entertaining friends-- one friend is played by Una Merkel, who is delightful as ever.
As Merkel and everyone else can see, it's Laye's voice that attracts Novarro, not her ability to pirouette.
The usual studio gloss is in full evidence here, and the sets are quite ornate. The clothing and jewels on display rival anything in a Greta Garbo picture. We are also treated to several fine performances from the supporting cast-- pros like Edward Everett Horton and Rosalind Russell.
Russell portrays Novarro's haughty fiancee. The overly affected Austrian accent she uses in this story is a far cry from Mame and Rose Hovick.
Interestingly, Novarro consents to the arranged marriage with Miss Russell. So the picture does not have the expected happy ending between him and Laye's character. Perhaps that's why it didn't do so well at the box office, and why it served as end punctuation on Novarro's career as a screen idol.
As for Evelyn Laye, she would return to her native England and focus on stage performances. She occasionally appeared in other films and television series. For a time, she was one of the best-loved musical entertainers of her generation. If you watch this film, you will understand why.
He's paired with British musical actress Evelyn Laye. If we are to compare her to the above-mentioned Miss MacDonald, I would say that Miss Laye exhibits a lot more spontaneity. She's totally charming, entirely in sync with Novarro. Though Novarro generates no real sparks with her.
One thing that didn't make sense to me was why Metro used a story by German writer Vicki Baum about a ballerina. If Laye is an opera singer in Europe, then why not tailor a story about her as a singer. It seems odd that Novarro's character falls for her while attending the ballet instead of becoming smitten by her at the opera.
Later she moves into his Austrian residence as a mistress of sorts. These references are muted, since the production code is in effect. As time goes by he becomes more charmed by her, especially when he notes the gaiety she demonstrates while singing and entertaining friends-- one friend is played by Una Merkel, who is delightful as ever.
As Merkel and everyone else can see, it's Laye's voice that attracts Novarro, not her ability to pirouette.
The usual studio gloss is in full evidence here, and the sets are quite ornate. The clothing and jewels on display rival anything in a Greta Garbo picture. We are also treated to several fine performances from the supporting cast-- pros like Edward Everett Horton and Rosalind Russell.
Russell portrays Novarro's haughty fiancee. The overly affected Austrian accent she uses in this story is a far cry from Mame and Rose Hovick.
Interestingly, Novarro consents to the arranged marriage with Miss Russell. So the picture does not have the expected happy ending between him and Laye's character. Perhaps that's why it didn't do so well at the box office, and why it served as end punctuation on Novarro's career as a screen idol.
As for Evelyn Laye, she would return to her native England and focus on stage performances. She occasionally appeared in other films and television series. For a time, she was one of the best-loved musical entertainers of her generation. If you watch this film, you will understand why.