The Shining Hour (1938)

Top cast30

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Joan Crawford

Olivia Riley

Margaret Sullavan

Judy Linden

Robert Young

David Linden

Melvyn Douglas

Henry Linden

Fay Bainter

Hannah Linden

Allyn Joslyn

Roger Q. Franklin

Hattie McDaniel

Belvedere

Oscar O'Shea

Charlie Collins

Frank Albertson

Benny Collins

Harry Barris

Bertie

Granville Bates

Second Man on Plane
(uncredited)

Francis X. Bushman Jr.

Club Sirocco Doorman
(uncredited)

George Chandler

Press Agent
(uncredited)

Charles Coleman

Henry's Butler
(uncredited)

Jimmy Conlin

Man Shaving on Plane
(uncredited)

Roger Converse

Hotel Clerk
(uncredited)

Diane Cook

Girl at Party
(uncredited)

Tony De Marco

Van Stillman - Olivia's Dance Partner
(uncredited)

Did you know

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Trivia
Joan Crawford specifically asked for Margaret Sullavan to play the role of Judy, despite Louis B. Mayer's warning that the accomplished stage actress could steal the picture from her. Joan replied "I'd rather be a supporting player in a good picture than the star of a bad one."

Quotes
Judy Linden: Hannah's quoting the bible again. One of these days we're going to put her in all the hotel rooms.

Connections
Featured in Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star (2002)

Soundtracks
Waltz in C sharp minor, Op.64, No. 2
(1846-47) (uncredited)
Written by Frédéric Chopin
Played at the nightclub for specialty dance by Joan Crawford and Tony De Marco
Reprised by Robert Young on piano; also played by him in a jazzy version
Incorporated as part of the score

A happy ending with 3rd degree burns

The performances in this film are adequate, with standout performances by Margaret Sullivan and Fay Bainter. It is the writing that fell short.

The romance and sexual tension are never fleshed out. In fact, most of it is unbelievable. The film is still entertaining but only because of star power and the snide remarks Bainter flings at Crawford.

Had this not been made during the production code they might have been able to explore the seamier side of it. The way it is handled you just don't care about any of the relationships in the film.

Hattie McDaniel is always a delight to see and always leaves you wanting more.