I've loved Doris Day in her most famous comedy roles, I loved her "Calamity Jane" and always though she gave real depth to her American wife and mother in "The Man Who Knew Too Much" But Doris in "Midnight Lace" is something else. The suspension of disbelief that the film expects from its audience is totally achievable because of her. She goes through it for real and manages to involve us and to actually care for this rich American lady. Her anguish rings true and that's all we need to get involved. There is not a single moment within the preposterous plot in which we catch her acting, that in itself lifts this yarn to unexpected levels. Terrific fun. Rex Harrison plays Professor Higgin's brother with the same kind of aplomb. Myrna Loy is a hoot. John Gavin , beautifully wooden as usual, Roddy McDowell is a creepy delight and Hermione Baddely creates something with her seconds on the screen. Thank you Doris for a surprising thrilling fun ride.
109 Reviews
highly enjoyable suspenser
blanche-227 March 2006
Doris Day, as an American married to an Englishman, is being terrorized in "Midnight Lace," also starring Rex Harrison, Myrna Loy, Roddy Mcdowall, and John Gavin. A scary voice speaks in the fog and calls her up on the phone - but she can't get anyone to believe her, even her beloved aunt (Loy) who wants to help but has her suspicions about her niece's mental health. The "midnight lace" is a neat title that refers to some sexy pajamas Kit (Day) buys for her Venetian trip with her husband (Harrison).
The film is based on a play, "Matilda Cried Fire" and probably owes part of its plot to "Dial M for Murder," which was also a play and made into a film by Hitchcock. John Williams is on hand in this film as in "Dial M" as a police inspector.
Unlike "Dial M for Murder," the film abounds with red herrings, so there are plenty of suspects. Roddy Mcdowall is the slimy son of Kit's housekeeper, and John Gavin is an attractive man who at one point comes to her rescue. There's also her neighbor, Peggy (Natasha Thompson). The acting is very good, the biggest and most dramatic role belonging to Day. Few people have enjoyed the variety of career that Day did. A wholesome-looking singer and vivacious actress, she was in in films from 1948. When she was in her late thirties, producer Ross Hunter took advantage of her prettiness and beautiful figure and moved her into glamor roles, making her the #1 box office star. If she's a little over the top in spots here, it's more the material than the actress, and she creates a very sympathetic and likable character. Loy, at 55, is beautiful and sexy. Harrison doesn't have a great deal to do, and Gavin is - well, Gavin, very handsome and charming. Herbert Marshall is part of the cast as well, and along with McDowall, Williams, and Thompson, make up a strong supporting cast.
This movie isn't as good as some others of the same type, but it is very enjoyable and well produced. One of those great Sunday afternoon movies.
Some trivia: A poster mentions that Harrison was distracted during the film because of the death of his wife, Kay Kendall. He was also distracted by the fact that he and Roddy McDowell had done a play together, for which McDowell had won a Tony. The elevator scene where they are all in the elevator together took a while to film so they were all stuck in a small space. McDowell said something and Harrison said, "Yes, and you can stick that Tony up your a** too."
The film is based on a play, "Matilda Cried Fire" and probably owes part of its plot to "Dial M for Murder," which was also a play and made into a film by Hitchcock. John Williams is on hand in this film as in "Dial M" as a police inspector.
Unlike "Dial M for Murder," the film abounds with red herrings, so there are plenty of suspects. Roddy Mcdowall is the slimy son of Kit's housekeeper, and John Gavin is an attractive man who at one point comes to her rescue. There's also her neighbor, Peggy (Natasha Thompson). The acting is very good, the biggest and most dramatic role belonging to Day. Few people have enjoyed the variety of career that Day did. A wholesome-looking singer and vivacious actress, she was in in films from 1948. When she was in her late thirties, producer Ross Hunter took advantage of her prettiness and beautiful figure and moved her into glamor roles, making her the #1 box office star. If she's a little over the top in spots here, it's more the material than the actress, and she creates a very sympathetic and likable character. Loy, at 55, is beautiful and sexy. Harrison doesn't have a great deal to do, and Gavin is - well, Gavin, very handsome and charming. Herbert Marshall is part of the cast as well, and along with McDowall, Williams, and Thompson, make up a strong supporting cast.
This movie isn't as good as some others of the same type, but it is very enjoyable and well produced. One of those great Sunday afternoon movies.
Some trivia: A poster mentions that Harrison was distracted during the film because of the death of his wife, Kay Kendall. He was also distracted by the fact that he and Roddy McDowell had done a play together, for which McDowell had won a Tony. The elevator scene where they are all in the elevator together took a while to film so they were all stuck in a small space. McDowell said something and Harrison said, "Yes, and you can stick that Tony up your a** too."
Glossy and totally unbelievable but entertaining
preppy-321 May 2005
American Kit Preston (Doris Day) lives in London with husband Anthony (Rex Harrison). She starts being stalked and getting phone calls by a man saying he's going to kill her. But nobody else is around when he calls. Is he real or is she going crazy?
A VERY loose remake of "Gaslight". The film is far-fetched (especially at the end) and full of obvious red herrings. Also there were one or two plot threads never adequately explained at the end. Still, this was entertaining. It's very glossy with breath-taking sets and 17 costume changes (!!!) by Day--but this IS a Ross Hunter movie (he did "Imitation of Life" which had the same kind of treatment). So, even when the movie slows down there's always something to look at.
There's mostly solid acting by the entire cast. Harrison was just so-so as the husband but everybody else was fine. John Gavin pops up a few times just being incredibly handsome but actually isn't that bad. Myrna Loy steals the show as Aunt Bea in every scene she's in--and check out the incredibly ugly yellow hat with green sash she wears at one point! Best of all is Day. You might think she would be terrible in a straight dramatic role but she's actually quite good. Her terror at what's happening is totally believable and there's an incredible scene where she has a complete nervous breakdown. She hated making this film because it emotionally wore her down--she vowed never again to do a thriller. That's too bad--she was so good here.
So it's not believable but is still worth watching. Recommended.
A VERY loose remake of "Gaslight". The film is far-fetched (especially at the end) and full of obvious red herrings. Also there were one or two plot threads never adequately explained at the end. Still, this was entertaining. It's very glossy with breath-taking sets and 17 costume changes (!!!) by Day--but this IS a Ross Hunter movie (he did "Imitation of Life" which had the same kind of treatment). So, even when the movie slows down there's always something to look at.
There's mostly solid acting by the entire cast. Harrison was just so-so as the husband but everybody else was fine. John Gavin pops up a few times just being incredibly handsome but actually isn't that bad. Myrna Loy steals the show as Aunt Bea in every scene she's in--and check out the incredibly ugly yellow hat with green sash she wears at one point! Best of all is Day. You might think she would be terrible in a straight dramatic role but she's actually quite good. Her terror at what's happening is totally believable and there's an incredible scene where she has a complete nervous breakdown. She hated making this film because it emotionally wore her down--she vowed never again to do a thriller. That's too bad--she was so good here.
So it's not believable but is still worth watching. Recommended.
Suspense thriller á la Hitchcock
bchil1038 August 2000
I started seeing this movie without great expectations but I must admit that it was a very positive surprise. David Miller has made a movie which in my opinion is to be compared with the best Hitchcock ever made. An excellent cast: John Gavin and Myrna Loy give good performances and Rex Harrison is - as always - Rex Harrison.
But it's Doris Days film. She was perfect in "The Man Who Knew Too Much" but here she's better. An outstanding performance. No other actress can look so terror-stricken, without overacting. The sequence where she is stuck in an elevator, gives a good impression of what she can.
If you haven't seen this movie - rush to see it.
But it's Doris Days film. She was perfect in "The Man Who Knew Too Much" but here she's better. An outstanding performance. No other actress can look so terror-stricken, without overacting. The sequence where she is stuck in an elevator, gives a good impression of what she can.
If you haven't seen this movie - rush to see it.
Doris Pulls Out All The Stops
bkoganbing4 April 2012
The last of Doris Day's dramatic roles came with her being the terrorized wife in Midnight Lace. Henceforth she did nothing but comedies and musicals.
Not that she wasn't good in dramatic parts. Doris did well in Love Me Or Leave Me, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Storm Warning, and Julie. But in Midnight Lace she does pull all the stops out as a woman who seems to have attracted a stalker. In fact she meets the stalker in a fog bound London park near her home who threatens to kill just before the opening credits.
Doris is practically a newlywed, married to Rex Harrison a London businessman who is concerned but never is quite there enough to offer support. Even her visiting aunt Myrna Loy is thinking Doris has lost a step or two in her ladder. The only one who seems to believe her is John Gavin who is boss of a construction job next door. He's even a bit creepy himself because he knew who she was without any introduction.
The Man Who Knew Too Much was probably her best dramatic role and it was done for the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. But the Hitchcock film that Midnight Lace is best compared to is Dial M For Murder with Grace Kelly being the stalking victim there. Even the Scotland Yard inspector is the same in both films, John Williams.
By the way Williams unravels the truth behind the harassing phone calls in a most unusual way that the perpetrator never took into account.
The mood of Midnight Lace is somber and tense and Doris, Rex, and the rest of the cast perform their roles to perfection.
Not that she wasn't good in dramatic parts. Doris did well in Love Me Or Leave Me, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Storm Warning, and Julie. But in Midnight Lace she does pull all the stops out as a woman who seems to have attracted a stalker. In fact she meets the stalker in a fog bound London park near her home who threatens to kill just before the opening credits.
Doris is practically a newlywed, married to Rex Harrison a London businessman who is concerned but never is quite there enough to offer support. Even her visiting aunt Myrna Loy is thinking Doris has lost a step or two in her ladder. The only one who seems to believe her is John Gavin who is boss of a construction job next door. He's even a bit creepy himself because he knew who she was without any introduction.
The Man Who Knew Too Much was probably her best dramatic role and it was done for the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. But the Hitchcock film that Midnight Lace is best compared to is Dial M For Murder with Grace Kelly being the stalking victim there. Even the Scotland Yard inspector is the same in both films, John Williams.
By the way Williams unravels the truth behind the harassing phone calls in a most unusual way that the perpetrator never took into account.
The mood of Midnight Lace is somber and tense and Doris, Rex, and the rest of the cast perform their roles to perfection.
Has its problems, but it is an entertaining and well acted Hitchcock-like film
TheLittleSongbird9 February 2010
"Midnight Lace" is an example of a film that does have its problems, but still manages to entertain you and draw you in. It is far fetched and somewhat predictable, and I admit for me the ending was so complicated I had to re watch it to maintain my full understanding. Also there are some loose ends that aren't as well explained as they could have been.John Gavin, while really handsome, is rather bland acting wise. With its flaws though, it is perfectly watchable and entertaining helped by the stylish filming, excellent music score and the fine acting. There are some effective scenes such as when Kit falls into complete hysteria(I will explain later what I thought of Doris Day's acting in that scene), the very first scene in the fog and the elevator scene. Also the voice on the telephone; very chilling. The film's style is strongly reminiscent of an Alfred Hitchcock film, with beautiful cinematography and Day's costumes are fabulous. The music score is truly atmospheric and made most scenes from the film quite tense and suspenseful, the direction is precise enough and there is some decent scripting on the whole. Aside from Gavin, who wasn't entirely insufferable just bland, the acting was well done. Rex Harrison is very suave as the husband, Roddy MacDowell is delightfully creepy, Hermione Baddeley is great and Myrna Loy is a real scene stealer. The best performance definitely comes from Doris Day; I love her in musicals, I love her in comedy, here she shows how wonderful she equally is in drama. Her performance here is outstanding, no overacting as far as I can see, her hysteria scene was so believable and almost heart-breaking. I had difficulty hiding my dismay when I saw the reviews that accused Day of overacting. Overall, it does have its problems, but it is one movie I would definitely see again for especially Day's performance and her costumes. 7/10 Bethany Cox
The 'Lace' is much like the plot--both are see-through
moonspinner553 October 2001
"I'm going to kill you, Mrs. Preston!" ...Such are the terrifying phone messages Doris Day gets while living in London with classy, urbane husband Rex Harrison. She can't prove the phone-threats, nor does her story about being shoved in front of traffic hold any water, so everybody thinks Dodo is losing it. Could be, she breaks down in a torrent of tears in at least three scenes. But, this being a glossy Ross Hunter production (and one full of solid talent), it's never boring and manages to hold your interest. The identity of the nutcase is fairly easy to guess, but even after the unveiling there's some suspense, with Doris climbing down an unfinished building in the dark. Handsome production doesn't shock or surprise, yet it's a respectable, middle-of-the-road thriller. **1/2 from ****
Hysteria and Screams
claudio_carvalho31 March 2012
In London, the American futile housewife Katherine "Kit" Preston (Doris Day) has been married for three months with the American executive Anthony "Tony" Preston (Rex Harrison). In a foggy day, while walking in a park, Kit is threatened by a voice that tells that she will be murdered by the end of the month.
On the next day, Kit receives a phone call from the stalker and she goes with Tony to the Scotland Yard, but Inspector Byrnes (John Williams) believes that Kit is making-up the story to get more attention from Tony. Kit welcomes her Aunt Bea (Myrna Loy) but only she receives the phone calls. Would Kit be losing her mind?
"Midnight Lace" is a good thriller that could have been an excellent film since the plot introduces several characters and the viewer never knows whether Kit is telling the truth or the stalker is fruit of her imagination.
Unfortunately Doris Day overacts with the hysteria and screams of her key, but annoying character and partially spoils the film. She rings off the call from the stalker; she is ridiculous in the elevator, when the contractor rescues her. The important subplot of the embezzlement of Preston is forgotten with no further consequences. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "A Teia de Renda Negra" ("The Web of Black Lace")
On the next day, Kit receives a phone call from the stalker and she goes with Tony to the Scotland Yard, but Inspector Byrnes (John Williams) believes that Kit is making-up the story to get more attention from Tony. Kit welcomes her Aunt Bea (Myrna Loy) but only she receives the phone calls. Would Kit be losing her mind?
"Midnight Lace" is a good thriller that could have been an excellent film since the plot introduces several characters and the viewer never knows whether Kit is telling the truth or the stalker is fruit of her imagination.
Unfortunately Doris Day overacts with the hysteria and screams of her key, but annoying character and partially spoils the film. She rings off the call from the stalker; she is ridiculous in the elevator, when the contractor rescues her. The important subplot of the embezzlement of Preston is forgotten with no further consequences. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "A Teia de Renda Negra" ("The Web of Black Lace")
At the Midnight Hour with Doris Day!
JLRMovieReviews14 August 2012
Doris Day is hearing voices. To be precise, one voice. And, he says he wants to kill her. But, the rub is - no one believes her. Her husband, the police. Her Aunt Bea wants to, but the more hysterical Doris gets, the more she doubts her. This film is so well made, it feels like a Hitchcock film, and it boasts an outstanding cast, including Rex Harrison, who plays her husband, John Gavin, who gives one of his most relaxed and natural performances of his career, Roddy MacDowell, Herbert Marshall, Myrna Loy as her Aunt Bea, and John Williams and Anthony Dawson, both from Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder. It's been said that Doris Day swore off films like this, after completing this, due to it being physically exhausting and I can see why. Her breakdown is very real and she gives one of her most challenging and convincing acting jobs in her career here. She said she had to tap into her feelings and her pain from her abusive first marriage to really bring out the tears, and they flow! The staircase scene is where she really loses it. I have nothing negative to say about this terrifying winner! It may not win any awards, but it hits all the right buttons. For a suspenseful film with great stars and real class, this is the film for you.
Derivative Thriller Which Has Not Aged Well.
nycritic11 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
MIDNIGHT LACE is one of the many movies that capitalizes on the terrorized wife who is in danger for her life, and who's tormentor is often her husband and mistress in tow. GASLIGHT was one of the earliest and better examples of this type of storytelling as well as LES DIABOLIQUES; ENOUGH one of the latest with the twist that this time around, the wife stops being afraid and decides to kick some arse.
Doris Day, attempting to put aside the wholesome girl she was known for -- an image that stayed with her regardless of what she tried to do -- plays Kit Preston, the menaced wife of Tony Preston (Rex Harrison, effectively suave and creepy), and though her performance is intense, nowadays it's become very shrill. But nevertheless this is a movie made for the people of its time, with production values from the late 50s, a little over-glamorized, and one which doesn't try to be a great film as the adaptation of the play it comes from. Myrna Loy does a nice turn here, showing how gracefully she was aging, and it's a shame she didn't continue to appear as frequently.
Doris Day, attempting to put aside the wholesome girl she was known for -- an image that stayed with her regardless of what she tried to do -- plays Kit Preston, the menaced wife of Tony Preston (Rex Harrison, effectively suave and creepy), and though her performance is intense, nowadays it's become very shrill. But nevertheless this is a movie made for the people of its time, with production values from the late 50s, a little over-glamorized, and one which doesn't try to be a great film as the adaptation of the play it comes from. Myrna Loy does a nice turn here, showing how gracefully she was aging, and it's a shame she didn't continue to appear as frequently.
If screams were scares, this one will terrify you
bob_meg15 November 2009
OK, first off, I generally like Doris Day...but this movie has got to be one of the most overrated of all time.
I imagine if you have a faint heart this might be really frightening. I grant you the phone voice is probably up there with the eeriest I've heard in a film. But when do we get to hear it? About 4 or 5 times, and mostly at the end of the movie.
It's really hard for me to get worked up when --- for the bulk of the film --- Day just says "Yes, I'm here....I'm listening" and then goes into hysterical screaming fits. Why wasn't the voice used more and augmented with more clever means of tormenting? It all seems very bland and anticlimactic.
And, to echo other reviewers....the hysteria scene on the stairs...come on! That is hands down one of the worst performances in cinema history!
I imagine if you have a faint heart this might be really frightening. I grant you the phone voice is probably up there with the eeriest I've heard in a film. But when do we get to hear it? About 4 or 5 times, and mostly at the end of the movie.
It's really hard for me to get worked up when --- for the bulk of the film --- Day just says "Yes, I'm here....I'm listening" and then goes into hysterical screaming fits. Why wasn't the voice used more and augmented with more clever means of tormenting? It all seems very bland and anticlimactic.
And, to echo other reviewers....the hysteria scene on the stairs...come on! That is hands down one of the worst performances in cinema history!
Superb performance by Doris Day.
MIKE-WILSON628 July 2001
After watching most of her other films, with Rock Hudson, and
James Garner, this is a major departure for Doris Day. Midnight
Lace, requires an actress of considerable ability, but Day proves
up the task. Her performance is one of the best that I have every
seen. She plays the wealthy wife of Rex Harrison, who is having
financial problems, running the family firm. After receiving several
phone calls, threatening her life, she has problems proving to the
police, and Harrison, that the calls really took place.
Other threads of the story,including Roddy McDowall as the
penniless son of Day's maid, Herbert Marshall as a gambler with
money troubles, and John Gavin,as the builder, with flashbacks
from the war, there is no lack of possible suspects,who may be
threatening Day. This film has the same look and feel as Dial M for Murder' so that
is as good a recommendation as anybody could want. 8 out of 10.
James Garner, this is a major departure for Doris Day. Midnight
Lace, requires an actress of considerable ability, but Day proves
up the task. Her performance is one of the best that I have every
seen. She plays the wealthy wife of Rex Harrison, who is having
financial problems, running the family firm. After receiving several
phone calls, threatening her life, she has problems proving to the
police, and Harrison, that the calls really took place.
Other threads of the story,including Roddy McDowall as the
penniless son of Day's maid, Herbert Marshall as a gambler with
money troubles, and John Gavin,as the builder, with flashbacks
from the war, there is no lack of possible suspects,who may be
threatening Day. This film has the same look and feel as Dial M for Murder' so that
is as good a recommendation as anybody could want. 8 out of 10.
Am I crazy?
lost-in-limbo22 August 2018
Caught this on a lazy Saturday afternoon on the telly. A tidy, stylised Hitchcock inspired little thriller of superb production, which plays around with the spiralling concept of "Is someone toying around or is it all in your head?". I found the shady atmosphere, suspicious toiling and tension fueled development of its delirious chain of events to be far more riveting, and fulfilling than the predictably fizzled-out denouncement. No question about it, the journey was certainly better than the destination. As for the twist, it virtually rehashes another suspense classic of golden age cinema and it shouldn't come as a surprise.
Doris Day plays a wife of a rich Londonder (Rex Harrison), becoming the target of threatening phone calls and being stalked by an ominous looking man dressed in black. She finds herself pushed over the edge, when people begin to doubt any of this is truly happening. Day's performance is of full commitment. At times very hysterical in her commotions, but nonetheless believable and entertaining in depicting her unstable mindset. Those night time scenes of Day trembling in fear after the phone call, or jumping at shadows encroaching in her house, were evocativly lit up, filtered with potent colours and photographed to great dramatic effect. Also showing up in solid bit parts are Roddy McDowell, John Gavin and Myrna Loy.
Doris Day plays a wife of a rich Londonder (Rex Harrison), becoming the target of threatening phone calls and being stalked by an ominous looking man dressed in black. She finds herself pushed over the edge, when people begin to doubt any of this is truly happening. Day's performance is of full commitment. At times very hysterical in her commotions, but nonetheless believable and entertaining in depicting her unstable mindset. Those night time scenes of Day trembling in fear after the phone call, or jumping at shadows encroaching in her house, were evocativly lit up, filtered with potent colours and photographed to great dramatic effect. Also showing up in solid bit parts are Roddy McDowell, John Gavin and Myrna Loy.
Very good movie...
WritnGuy-28 November 1999
I caught this one on Encore while staying home from school, and I was surprised at the many twists and Hitchcock-like additions. It was really entertaining.
Doris Day plays the role of Kit, an American woman living in London with her businessman husband Tony. Almost immediately, we are introduced to the story of someone threatening her continuously, first in a fog-shrouded park, then over the phone, countless times. It gets progressively worse and worse, and Tony and her Aunt Bea, who has come to stay for a few weeks, begin to suspect the credibility in it all.
This is a great movie. Fans of Hitchcock may be impressed. And the acting is great. Doris Day is thoroughly convincing, especially when she begins to go hysterical at it all after Bea picks up the phone on the mysterious caller. But thoroughout the film, she plays a strong character. Bea is also a great character, and very amusing. Overall, the film does very well. The ending has many twists you don't think to suspect, though, I would have expected more with the scenes on the scaffolding. Oh well. Still, I recommend this film to all Hitchcock fans and anyone who likes older suspense movies. This one is great.
Doris Day plays the role of Kit, an American woman living in London with her businessman husband Tony. Almost immediately, we are introduced to the story of someone threatening her continuously, first in a fog-shrouded park, then over the phone, countless times. It gets progressively worse and worse, and Tony and her Aunt Bea, who has come to stay for a few weeks, begin to suspect the credibility in it all.
This is a great movie. Fans of Hitchcock may be impressed. And the acting is great. Doris Day is thoroughly convincing, especially when she begins to go hysterical at it all after Bea picks up the phone on the mysterious caller. But thoroughout the film, she plays a strong character. Bea is also a great character, and very amusing. Overall, the film does very well. The ending has many twists you don't think to suspect, though, I would have expected more with the scenes on the scaffolding. Oh well. Still, I recommend this film to all Hitchcock fans and anyone who likes older suspense movies. This one is great.
One more of the "Had I but known" suspense plots
theowinthrop28 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler ahead!
Mary Rinehart, the American Mystery novelist, created this sub-genre. The idea is that the heroine is attracted to a man, whom she willingly marries, only to discover (belatedly) that he is an untrustworthy enemy. Ms Rinehart did not write MIDNIGHT LACE, but it follows her basic idea.
The idea is not a bad one - if handled properly. Nothing too obvious but nothing far-fetched. Here it almost works. This is due to a fine supporting cast, led by Myrna Loy, John Williams (as the Scotland Yard detective), Roddy MacDowell, Herbert Marshall, John Gavin, and Anthony Dawson. The problem is in the leads. Set in London, Rex Harrison is fine as the husband, erstwhile villain. He is smooth, and ultimately untrustworthy enough. But he and Day have no real chemistry together. With reason - she is middle American and usually independent, and he is a European sophisticate. How did they meet (presumably he was looking for a woman with money to eventually do in, but then we have to guess he was willing to pick up her despite his own lack of real emotional interest)? As the woman he does like enough to conspire with (Natasha Parry) seems somewhat stupid, it is hard to imagine what he sees in any woman. Sophisticated men usually do not like dummies as lovers or wives.
As the red-herrings, MacDowell, Marshall, and Dawson are quite good - Marshall in particular rather sad as an aging fortune hunter. MacDowell has his moments as a leech on his mother (Day's servant) whom is kept from leeching by Day, and who threatens her as a result. One wishes Loy's part had been built up a bit more than it was.
One also wishes the leads had been more even in background, and more compatible. In his autobiography, REX, Harrison gives a reason for it. He was preoccupied throughout the film with the recent death of his wife Kay Kendall. He tried to get some type of emotional support from Day, and what she offered as advice did not help him. So there was no real rapport - if there had been their scenes together might have had more electricity, and the film would have fully worked.
Mary Rinehart, the American Mystery novelist, created this sub-genre. The idea is that the heroine is attracted to a man, whom she willingly marries, only to discover (belatedly) that he is an untrustworthy enemy. Ms Rinehart did not write MIDNIGHT LACE, but it follows her basic idea.
The idea is not a bad one - if handled properly. Nothing too obvious but nothing far-fetched. Here it almost works. This is due to a fine supporting cast, led by Myrna Loy, John Williams (as the Scotland Yard detective), Roddy MacDowell, Herbert Marshall, John Gavin, and Anthony Dawson. The problem is in the leads. Set in London, Rex Harrison is fine as the husband, erstwhile villain. He is smooth, and ultimately untrustworthy enough. But he and Day have no real chemistry together. With reason - she is middle American and usually independent, and he is a European sophisticate. How did they meet (presumably he was looking for a woman with money to eventually do in, but then we have to guess he was willing to pick up her despite his own lack of real emotional interest)? As the woman he does like enough to conspire with (Natasha Parry) seems somewhat stupid, it is hard to imagine what he sees in any woman. Sophisticated men usually do not like dummies as lovers or wives.
As the red-herrings, MacDowell, Marshall, and Dawson are quite good - Marshall in particular rather sad as an aging fortune hunter. MacDowell has his moments as a leech on his mother (Day's servant) whom is kept from leeching by Day, and who threatens her as a result. One wishes Loy's part had been built up a bit more than it was.
One also wishes the leads had been more even in background, and more compatible. In his autobiography, REX, Harrison gives a reason for it. He was preoccupied throughout the film with the recent death of his wife Kay Kendall. He tried to get some type of emotional support from Day, and what she offered as advice did not help him. So there was no real rapport - if there had been their scenes together might have had more electricity, and the film would have fully worked.
There's nothing wrong with money that having it can't cure.
brogmiller19 April 2020
Adapted from the play by Janet Green and directed by David Miller this film confirms the rather romanticised idea that our American cousins had about London whose detectives from Scotland Yard were perfect gents and which was wrapped in perpetual fog.
The plot of this film is utterly ludicrous but the playing of it generally excellent. Rex Harrison, immaculate as always, was stricken with grief over the death of Kay Kendall and found co-star Doris Day very supportive. Miss Day herself is beautifully costumed by Irene and beautifully lit by Russell Metty. Her role requires her to be in a perpetual state of hysteria and there is no doubting that it took a great deal out of her emotionally, especially the pivotal scene where she collapses on the stairs. This draining experience probably prompted her to stick to comedies thereafter! Classy Herbert Marshall and Myrna Loy are there as red herring and supportive friend respectively. Splendid John Williams simply reprises his role as the Inspector in 'Dial M for Murder'. The killer from that earlier film, Anthony Dawson, also turns up as yet another red herring whilst John Gavin does his customary impression of a cigar store Indian. Harrison's accomplice is played by the fascinating Natasha Parry in a rare film appearance.
Dismissed by many as sub-standard Hitchcock this glossy production by Ross Hunter is harmless, unpretentious fare and cannot fail to entertain providing one comes to it without too many expectations and enjoys it for what it is.
The plot of this film is utterly ludicrous but the playing of it generally excellent. Rex Harrison, immaculate as always, was stricken with grief over the death of Kay Kendall and found co-star Doris Day very supportive. Miss Day herself is beautifully costumed by Irene and beautifully lit by Russell Metty. Her role requires her to be in a perpetual state of hysteria and there is no doubting that it took a great deal out of her emotionally, especially the pivotal scene where she collapses on the stairs. This draining experience probably prompted her to stick to comedies thereafter! Classy Herbert Marshall and Myrna Loy are there as red herring and supportive friend respectively. Splendid John Williams simply reprises his role as the Inspector in 'Dial M for Murder'. The killer from that earlier film, Anthony Dawson, also turns up as yet another red herring whilst John Gavin does his customary impression of a cigar store Indian. Harrison's accomplice is played by the fascinating Natasha Parry in a rare film appearance.
Dismissed by many as sub-standard Hitchcock this glossy production by Ross Hunter is harmless, unpretentious fare and cannot fail to entertain providing one comes to it without too many expectations and enjoys it for what it is.
Doris Day is more radiant in fluffy romantic comedies.
eddax15 January 2010
This is one of Doris Day's rarer dramatic outings, and honestly, it just goes to show why she mostly did comedies. Not that she's at all bad, but she's just a whole lot more radiant when it comes to fluffy romcoms.
Midnight Lace is a thriller about a woman who's being stalked but is unable to prove it and is thus taken for being addled, kinda like Gaslight, a superior movie by virtue of George Cukor's direction and Ingrid Bergman and Angela Lansbury's performances.
The story here is quite predictable and the acting unexceptional, and even though it was great seeing Myrna Loy in one of her last big screen performances, her supporting role isn't half as showy as Lansbury's was.
Midnight Lace is a thriller about a woman who's being stalked but is unable to prove it and is thus taken for being addled, kinda like Gaslight, a superior movie by virtue of George Cukor's direction and Ingrid Bergman and Angela Lansbury's performances.
The story here is quite predictable and the acting unexceptional, and even though it was great seeing Myrna Loy in one of her last big screen performances, her supporting role isn't half as showy as Lansbury's was.
A newlywed is afraid to answer her phone.
michaelRokeefe8 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
A lovely newlywed Kit Preston(Doris Day)and her husband 'Tony'(Rex Harrison)are on a questionable honeymoon in London. Will she ever wear her new Midnight Lace lingerie? Will anyone ever believe that she is receiving harassing telephone calls? She fears her life is in grave danger and mishaps only fuel the fear. Is her charming husband the creep on the phone? This thriller is a boiling pot.
Miss Day is absolutely adorable and convincing as a troubled woman; far from her many saccharine roles. Supporting cast is solid: John Williams, Myrna Loy, John Gavin and Roddy McDowall. Well photographed with a tense atmosphere.
Miss Day is absolutely adorable and convincing as a troubled woman; far from her many saccharine roles. Supporting cast is solid: John Williams, Myrna Loy, John Gavin and Roddy McDowall. Well photographed with a tense atmosphere.
I'm going to kill you, Mrs. Preston
Bucs19603 December 2001
If that telephone voice doesn't give you the creeps, you are one tough cookie! Don't be fooled because this film stars Doris Day, noted for her frothy, professional virgin roles in movies with Rock Hudson, et al. This is another Ms. Day, although the movie showcases her in some great clothes. Driven to the brink of insanity by anonymous threatening phone calls which nobody believes, she plays it to the hilt. The elevator scene is especially gripping. John Gavin is totally miscast and is bland, as usual. The rest of the cast is top drawer....Rex Harrison, suave and sophisticated....Myrna Loy, as the worldly aunt, is wonderful.....and the greatest of English support players, John Williams, repeating his inspector role from Dial M for Murder. In a small part is Anthony Dawson, the perfect villain,also from Dial M for Murder. Herbert Marshall and Richard Ney are good in small roles. This looks and feels like a Hitchcock picture. You may guess the ending but it is worth the watch to see Doris Day give her all. Besides, everybody likes a good thriller and this fits the bill!
Questionable
vincentlynch-moonoi21 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not as impressed with this film as are many of our viewers, so I am giving it a very weak "7".
Let's begin with the photography. I thought lighting here was often substandard. Many times the characters appear in dark shadows. It was quite distracting.
In terms of the acting, also mixed reviews from me. I have never been that impressed with Rex Harrison. And this film didn't boost his image with me. I once saw him live at an opening night at the Kennedy Center; we had seats 5 rows back from the stage and I could barely hear him; I thought it must be me; but next day in the "Washington Post" they complained about how such a great experienced actor could hardly be heard. I have long felt that Harrison made a splash at one point in his career and then coasted. Here he certainly coasted. Perhaps you have to be British.
I have liked Doris Day in many films, including her more dramatic roles. In particular, I liked her in "The Man Who Knew Too Much". Here she does "okay", but this is far from her best role.
I always sort of liked John Gavin, but even I admit he sometimes seems a bit wooden. The wonderful Myrna Loy has a supporting role her as Doris Day's aunt. To me, her role was ruined by some lousy dialog, and it seemed to me she had lost her touch. I was happy to see another veteran actor in a supporting role here -- Herbert Marshall. Unfortunately, he was way past his prime here, and it was not a very good part. Unfortunately, Roddy McDowell is here, as well; I never thought he was very good.
The plot...well, they did a really good job of shining the light of suspicion on several of the supporting characters, although, quite frankly, I think most of us knew who the villain was in the first 15 minutes of the film.
Look, this is a decent film, probably worth watching for most people who like the genre or Doris Day, but it's no great shakes.
Let's begin with the photography. I thought lighting here was often substandard. Many times the characters appear in dark shadows. It was quite distracting.
In terms of the acting, also mixed reviews from me. I have never been that impressed with Rex Harrison. And this film didn't boost his image with me. I once saw him live at an opening night at the Kennedy Center; we had seats 5 rows back from the stage and I could barely hear him; I thought it must be me; but next day in the "Washington Post" they complained about how such a great experienced actor could hardly be heard. I have long felt that Harrison made a splash at one point in his career and then coasted. Here he certainly coasted. Perhaps you have to be British.
I have liked Doris Day in many films, including her more dramatic roles. In particular, I liked her in "The Man Who Knew Too Much". Here she does "okay", but this is far from her best role.
I always sort of liked John Gavin, but even I admit he sometimes seems a bit wooden. The wonderful Myrna Loy has a supporting role her as Doris Day's aunt. To me, her role was ruined by some lousy dialog, and it seemed to me she had lost her touch. I was happy to see another veteran actor in a supporting role here -- Herbert Marshall. Unfortunately, he was way past his prime here, and it was not a very good part. Unfortunately, Roddy McDowell is here, as well; I never thought he was very good.
The plot...well, they did a really good job of shining the light of suspicion on several of the supporting characters, although, quite frankly, I think most of us knew who the villain was in the first 15 minutes of the film.
Look, this is a decent film, probably worth watching for most people who like the genre or Doris Day, but it's no great shakes.
Moan, Gasp, Screaming Hysterics
pierrotlunaire028 March 2018
I know that there are quite a few people who reviewed here who really enjoyed this movie, and Doris Day's performance. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.
I was a child when I saw this movie when it came out (I was about 6), and I vividly remember the outcome, so obviously it made an impression on me. But Doris Day's character has to be the most irritating damsel in distress of all time. Anytime anything happens (shadow, stray noise, phone rings), she launches into outlandish hysterics that made me long for someone to slap her and order her to get it together. The worst was a scene where the phone rings when her husband is standing next to her. She snatches up the phone, identifies herself and thrusts the receiver into her husband's hands so he can hear her stalker. Then she stands there, hands clasped together as if pleading or praying, eyes dripping tears, shaking in terror and distress. I wanted to kill her, and I was a viewer!
She also must spend an inordinate amount of time changing her clothes, with a different outfit in every scene. The clothes are the height of fashion circa 1960, and they have not aged well, particularly a hat resembling an overturned bucket with a red flower on the front.
But a lot of people love this movie, so obviously my opinion is not universal. Plus, to be fair, even for those of us who denigrate this film, it is fun to watch in a "OMG, now what?" kind of way.
I was a child when I saw this movie when it came out (I was about 6), and I vividly remember the outcome, so obviously it made an impression on me. But Doris Day's character has to be the most irritating damsel in distress of all time. Anytime anything happens (shadow, stray noise, phone rings), she launches into outlandish hysterics that made me long for someone to slap her and order her to get it together. The worst was a scene where the phone rings when her husband is standing next to her. She snatches up the phone, identifies herself and thrusts the receiver into her husband's hands so he can hear her stalker. Then she stands there, hands clasped together as if pleading or praying, eyes dripping tears, shaking in terror and distress. I wanted to kill her, and I was a viewer!
She also must spend an inordinate amount of time changing her clothes, with a different outfit in every scene. The clothes are the height of fashion circa 1960, and they have not aged well, particularly a hat resembling an overturned bucket with a red flower on the front.
But a lot of people love this movie, so obviously my opinion is not universal. Plus, to be fair, even for those of us who denigrate this film, it is fun to watch in a "OMG, now what?" kind of way.
Love this movie!!!
mer_mer0610 December 2006
I first saw this movie as a child, 25-30 years ago. Doris Day plays an American woman living in London with her British husband. There is a crazy guy stalking her, naturally totally freaking her out. At first, it's just a voice coming from who-knows-where, when she's out at night taking a walk. That voice scared me so bad (in about 1978), I probably had nightmares for months about it. Even today, it gives me chills. Doris Day is incredible (as always) in a rare dramatic performance. Rex Harrison is equally good as her disconnected hubby. It's so nice to see people like John Williams & Myrna Loy as part of the great cast. The surprise ending was so terrifying to me as a kid (why did my parents always let me watch inappropriate movies?), I wanted to jump out of my skin, & then invite Doris over for dinner & a hot bath! She endured so much as Kit Preston, I felt so bad for her! Would recommend to anyone who likes scary, suspenseful--but not gory--movies.
A good standard suspense-filled story of murder threats to an upper middle class matron in London
trpdean3 April 2018
Doris Day is the reason to watch this - it's as if she truly became her character - and she IS terrified by the creepy threats made from disembodied strange voices when outside, from the telephone when inside ... and is being driven mad. The plot of this mystery is ... ok ... like the plot of most TV mysteries (say an average TV movie) but the difference is that Day IS this woman - and it's very unsettling - and worth seeing. Day in fact swore never again to take on a suspense movie - it almost gave her a nervous breakdown!
Other benefits from this movie - it's lavish - you're looking at a quite upper middle class English couple in late 1950s, early 1960s London - the clothes, the settings, the furniture and accents - are all appealing. Rex Harrison, Myrna Loy, Herbert Marshall, John Gavin, Roddy McDowall comprise a big and fine cast.
Day's character is NOT at home - but in London, a foreign land, she's relatively newly married to Rex Harrison, she's not feeling the utter security she might in other circumstances - and then awful things threaten.
It's easy to like the movie - if you start to watch it, you'll finish it. I enjoy Rex Harrison, Myrna Loy, Herbert Marshall and John Gavin in all they've done done You'll enjoy it - but don't expect something GREAT.
Other benefits from this movie - it's lavish - you're looking at a quite upper middle class English couple in late 1950s, early 1960s London - the clothes, the settings, the furniture and accents - are all appealing. Rex Harrison, Myrna Loy, Herbert Marshall, John Gavin, Roddy McDowall comprise a big and fine cast.
Day's character is NOT at home - but in London, a foreign land, she's relatively newly married to Rex Harrison, she's not feeling the utter security she might in other circumstances - and then awful things threaten.
It's easy to like the movie - if you start to watch it, you'll finish it. I enjoy Rex Harrison, Myrna Loy, Herbert Marshall and John Gavin in all they've done done You'll enjoy it - but don't expect something GREAT.
Third-rate pastiche of Dial M for Murder
lotsofwordz15 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The most entertaining part of watching this pitiful pastiche of Dial M for Murder was associating characters and situations from Dial M with their counterparts in this one: Tony (!) Preston - the creepy husband, superficially solicitous but in reality anything but, with money troubles and a rich wife. Mrs Preston - the blonde American wife in London, whose husband married her for her money. The inspector - well, what can one say ... The phone - a vital element of the villain's plot, but eventually part of his downfall. Rex Harrison and Myrna Loy act everyone else under the table. However, Doris Day is no Grace Kelly and is totally unconvincing. Her 'breakdown' scene that some reviewers are raving about, is laughable, straight out of a sixth-form school production. Calling it 'over the top' is being kind to it. To sum up: if you want to laugh at a complete misfire that takes itself very seriously, this one is for you.
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