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The Shining Hour
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MGM. 76 minutes.
US release: 11/18/38. (In production from 8/22/38 to 10/3/38.) VHS release: 6/24/92.
Cast: Joan Crawford (as "Olivia Riley"), Margaret Sullavan, Robert Young, Melvyn Douglas, Fay Bainter, Allyn Joslyn, Hattie McDaniel, Oscar O'Shea, Frank Albertson, Harry Barris.
Credits: Based on the play by Keith Winter (which opened in New York City on 2/13/34). Screenplay: Jane Murfin, Ogden Nash. Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Director: Frank Borzage. Camera: George Folsey. Music: Franz Waxman. Dance Arranger: De Marco. Costumes: Adrian. Editor: Frank E. Hull.
Variety (1938):
The Shining Hour is studded with a quintet of marquee names, headed by Joan Crawford, but that draw value is all that exhibitors can depend on, as picture is a confused jungle of cross-purpose motivations and situations that fail entirely to arouse interest. Basic trouble with the production lies in the script. Frank Borzage could not overcome basic story faults in his direction.
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