Tonight or Never

Being a sucker for classic comedies, i really wanted to like this. But it's never a good sign when you start watching the clock instead of the movie. Isn't a comedy supposed to have jokes in it? Do we really need that much time to set up the plot? Ah yes the plot: opera diva can only become truly great after she has found Love. So thinking a night with a handsome gigolo will do the trick and get her booked at the Met, she gives in to her passions. And by golly it works! But then guilt creeps in... I'l stop here so as not to spoil the plot for those who are not discouraged by my review. (It's your own time to waste) Being mercifully short at 82 minutes, it really felt like it lasted quite a bit longer. It has period charm, Swanson and Douglas make a nice enough couple, but the material is too slight to make this into an enjoyable movie.

From the opening credits (a montage of bird's-eye views of Venice) it's clear that this film about the artistic and romantic ups and downs of a famed opera diva during a career crisis will be a cut above the usual. In addition to Gloria Swanson as the star, we have Samuel Goldwyn producing, a strong supporting cast, Gregg Toland as cinematographer, and costuming by Chanel.

The style and dialogue are sometimes Lubitschian, as if director Mervyn LeRoy had studied "The Love Parade" before shooting. Toland's camera swoops and pans from spot to spot, sometimes in tandem with dialogue and actions relayed from one character to another across the frame. The generally brisk pace sags in places when there is too much talk without wit.

Swanson is beautifully made up and photographed throughout but some of the skimpier Chanel outfits make her look somewhat matronly; she looks best in long shots with the more layered ensembles. The camera makes the most of her closeups, particularly the use of her large eyes. Douglas, repeating his role from the stage, seems to have effortlessly stepped into the role of sophisticated screen star.

Among the visual delights is an extended sequence in which Douglas tosses a bouquet with a note from the street through Swanson's second story window, which provokes conflicting emotions in her character as she retrieves it and then debates within herself whether or how to respond, all without speech. The sequence would have worked perfectly in the silent cinema.

For fans of "Grand Hotel," which post-dates this production, here is a chance to see Ferdinand Gottschalk and Greta Meyer (Garbo's manager and the hotel's housekeeper, respectively) in similar but meatier roles. Gottschalk especially shines. And Alison Skipworth contributes her customary & welcome dash of vinegar.

In Venice, opera singer Nella Vargo (Gloria Swanson) is a successful diva although her music coach is dissatisfied with her singing. He tells her that she is not putting her heart into her performances. She becomes intrigued with mysterious admirer Jim Fletcher (Melvyn Douglas) and her heart follows.

For most of this movie, I kept imagining Norma Desmond. In an alternate universe, this could be the prequel to that classic. Swanson and her eyes give a compelling performance although I'm not taken with the character. She's such a diva early on. I don't like her at the beginning and it's hard to get into this.

A thirty two year old gloria swanson is nella, opera diva, in this restored version of "tonight or never". She has caught the eye of a handsome stranger (melvyn douglas), but she believes he is a gigolo. He has been spotted on the arm of an older, rich woman (the awesome alison skipworth). Nella is headstrong and impulsive, but she has never known true love; her teacher informs her that until she has really loved someone, she won't be able to put that passion into her singing. But when she finally meets fletcher, it doesn't go anything like she expected. And now she's not sure if she wants a husband or a singing career. Just one of many decisions she may have to make. If she plays her cards right! The film itself is no big deal, but it's fun to see skipworth, douglas, and swanson in an early (pre film code) talkie. Swanson was huge, starting in the silent films. She makes a lot of the same facial expressions she will use again in sunset boulevard, another great swanson film. Small role for boris karloff. Directed by mervyn leroy... was nominated for random harvest. Story by lily hatvany.

In Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson said, we had faces then.

Well she sure did! Those eyes! Her expressions! In Tonight or Never, she plays an opera diva lacking the one thing that will make her a superstar - feelings! Since it's 1931 you can interpret that as sexual fulfillment.

As a former opera singer myself, I got a kick out of the opening. It takes place in Venice, and we get to hear a soprano with a voice like Minnie Mouse sing the end of Tosca and go flat on the high note. I am forever stunned at what film considered a Tosca voice. I mean, Jeannette McDonald was another one.

Our diva here, Nella Vago, falls for Melvyn Douglas, in his debut, who is living with a former opera diva, supposedly his "aunt."

The film is talky, with lots of innuendo and a seduction scene that can only be described as old-fashioned. Which since it's 1931, it was.

Swanson's wardrobe is to die for. Douglas is very elegant.

We don't have much of the young Gloria in talkies. And, since it's Douglas' debut, and Boris Karloff isn't playing a monster, I recommend it.