The director, Rouben Mamoulian, was one of the geniuses of early sound cinema, and probably did more to advance the technology than any other filmmaker in moving the camera toward the freedom that it had in the silent cinema.
His first feature film, Applause (1929) brings audio to the fore. Currently, it seems to be available only on DVD via Kino, but if their present offering via Universal are any indication, it should be along shortly.
Love Me Tonight (1932) shows his understand of audio in spades. Just watch the introductory sequence which leads to the introduction of Maurice Chevalier.
Mr. Chevalier was a cabaret performer in France, worked on the American stage in the early ’30s. He was involved in the French cinema beginning in 1908, and first appeared in an American production (for Paramount) in 1929. He worked with Lubitsch in 1929 in The Love Parade, as well as in The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) and One Hour with You (1932).
After a short stint at M-G-M, he made films in the U.K., and then returned to France, before circling back to the Colonies in the mid-’50s.
I’ll not get into WWII history here, but whatever truths (or not) are involved, best to research elsewhere.
Mr. Mamoulian directed some extraordinary films between the ’30s and 1957. His final work was Silk Stockings (1957) available from WB.
During that period, he directed sixteen films – some brilliant as entertainment, some brilliant as he combined entertainment with the latest in technology, as he did with Becky Sharp in 1935.
His best work, not yet mentioned in this piece: Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), Queen Christina (1933), Golden Boy (1939), The Mark of Zorro (1940), and Blood and Sand (1941).
Back to the subject at hand – Love Me Tonight.
Presumably derived from safety protection elements, it is said to be a new 4k master, and by looking at the grain structure, that appears correct.
Overall, a beautifully produced Blu-ray. My only slight problem is that it seems a bit on the heavy side, but it’s doubtful that viewers will be troubled by that.
A very important film in the history of early sound, and a (still) wonderfully entertaining production.
Image – 4.25
Audio – 4.5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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