Vigil in the Night

1940
Approved
1h 36m

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

1.1K

YOUR RATING

Brian Aherne and Carole Lombard in Vigil in the Night (1940)

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1 Video

33 Photos

Drama Romance

A nurse loses her job after selflessly taking the blame for a fatal mistake her sister and co-worker made. She is subsequently employed at a poorly-equipped hospital, where she finds romance... Read allA nurse loses her job after selflessly taking the blame for a fatal mistake her sister and co-worker made. She is subsequently employed at a poorly-equipped hospital, where she finds romance and tragedy.A nurse loses her job after selflessly taking the blame for a fatal mistake her sister and co-worker made. She is subsequently employed at a poorly-equipped hospital, where she finds romance and tragedy.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

1.1K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 3 wins total

Videos1

Trailer 1:50

Trailer

Photos33

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The production of the movie was held up several weeks after Carole Lombard was admitted to the hospital, following a miscarriage. The press dubbed it an 'appendectomy' to cover up.

Goofs
When Lombard visits Bowley in his hospital room, Bowley's son's hair parting suddenly changes.

Quotes
Matron East: This is not the finest hospital in England and I dare say I'm not the most lenient Matron. I'll stand no nonsense and I offer no favoritism. You're entitled to one half a day a week off, if you're lucky. Extra duty, if you're not. No smoking. No cosmetics and you share a bedroom. Those are the conditions here, neither better nor worse than I have explained them. If they're not your liking, I'd appreciate your stepping out now rather than wasting your time or mine. I hope you'll be happy here.
[Smiles]
Matron East: Report to the medical examiner. Next.

Alternate versions
The version shown in Europe has a slightly different ending: the radio in Dr. Prescott's room can be heard. On it, British Prime Minister Nevil Chamberlain is explaining that Hitler has refused to withdraw his troops from Poland and therefore a state of war exists between Germany and Great Britain. The American version has no such radio message in it and a shot of Anne Lee and Dr. Prescott reacting to the news is missing.

Connections
Featured in George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey (1984)

User reviews19

Featured review

7/10

Carole Lombard and Peter Cushing

1940's "Vigil in the Night" was a dramatic departure for comedic actress Carole Lombard, in a serious performance that never descends into cliché. Anne Lee (Lombard) is a conscientious nurse dedicated to duty, yet accepts blame for the death of a little boy who perished while her derelict younger sister Lucy (Anne Shirley) was off making tea. Joe Shand (Peter Cushing) is in love with Anne, who refuses his marriage proposal, and finds employment at another hospital, where she hopes her sister will eventually join her once she earns her certificate. Instead, Lucy impulsively marries Joe and moves to London, where they have a falling out, Lucy again finding trouble while Anne loyally stands by her. Brian Aherne is fine as a doctor who falls for Anne, and special mention must go to Ethel Griffies' eccentric performance as head matron. This was only Peter Cushing's third feature, and while his six minutes on screen are on par with the other films he made in those two years in Hollywood, he shares the screen with Lombard in all four, and earned some critical notice as well, one reviewer even comparing him to Spencer Tracy.