La force des ténèbres

Original title: Night Must Fall

1937
Approved
1h 56m

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

3.1K

YOUR RATING

Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell in La force des ténèbres (1937)

Play trailer3:02

1 Video

33 Photos

Drama Mystery Thriller

When a rich but cantankerous dowager on an isolated estate hires an engaging handyman, her niece/companion becomes suspicious of his motives.When a rich but cantankerous dowager on an isolated estate hires an engaging handyman, her niece/companion becomes suspicious of his motives.When a rich but cantankerous dowager on an isolated estate hires an engaging handyman, her niece/companion becomes suspicious of his motives.

Director
- Richard Thorpe
Writers
- Emlyn Williams
- John Van Druten
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

3.1K

YOUR RATING

Director
- Richard Thorpe
Writers
- Emlyn Williams
- John Van Druten
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 8 wins & 2 nominations total

Mrs. Bramson
(as Dame May Whitty)

Alan Marshal

Justin

Merle Tottenham

Dora

Kathleen Harrison

Mrs. Terence

Matthew Boulton

Belsize

Eily Malyon

Nurse

E.E. Clive

Guide

Beryl Mercer

Saleslady

Winifred Harris

Mrs. Laurie

Nora Cecil

Woman in Tour
(uncredited)

Larry Harris

Boy
(uncredited)

P.J. Kelly

Townsman
(uncredited)

Florence Lawrence

Undetermined Minor Role
(uncredited)

Marjorie Prax

Girl
(uncredited)

Jerry Tucker

Boy Tourist in Sailor Suit
(uncredited)

Director
- Richard Thorpe
Writers
- Emlyn Williams
- John Van Druten
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
MGM didn't want Robert Montgomery to do the film, and at its premiere at Grauman's Chinese screened a trailer disclaiming the film and warning the audience about the film's "spurious content." Despite this, the film was well-received by audiences and critics.

Goofs
Wouldn't Olivia be charged as an accessory after the fact for deceiving the inspector about the contents of the hatbox? That lie not only facilitated Danny's first murder but also gave him opportunity to murder Mrs. Bramson.

Quotes
Olivia Grayne: I'm not a snob, but in case you'd like to call here again, I'd like to point out that although I'm employed by my aunt, I'm not in Dora's position.
Danny: Well, I hope not. I am gonna marry her though, and I...
Olivia Grayne: I don't believe you.
Danny: You don't believe me, do you?
Olivia Grayne: Your eyes are set quite wide apart... and your hands are quite good, but I really don't know what's wrong with you.
Danny: Like me, do you?
Olivia Grayne: No!
Danny: Everybody else does.

Crazy credits
The main title reads "The astonishing London and New York stage success 'Night Must Fall' ".

Connections
Featured in 100 Years of Horror: Maniacs (1996)

Soundtracks
Mighty Lak' a Rose
(1901) (uncredited)
Written by Ethelbert Nevin
Whistled by Robert Montgomery

User reviews60

Featured review

Amazing Psychology in this Intriguing Movie

I had never heard of this movie. I watched it the other night on Turner Movie Classics.

Robert Montgomery is amazing in this role. His subtle English accent reminded me of Paul McCartney. He is totally immersed in this role.

Rosalind Russell is not that impressive until about the middle of the movie.

Her unwilling attraction to Babyface finally makes sense.

The other great performance was by Dame May Witty. She fell hook, line, and sinker for Babyface.

Had Babyface not been so self-destructive and amoral probably Mrs. Bramson would have left him her entire estate.

I strongly recommend this movie. It is beautifully filmed, directed, and acted. It is one of those movies made in the 30s that is surprisingly better than many of today's movies, and much more intrinsic in its twists and turns. All of the characters are defined and varied.

This could give Hitchcock a run for his money.