Remember the Night

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Barbara Stanwyck as Lee Leander
• Fred MacMurray as John Sargent
• Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Sargent
• Elizabeth Patterson as Aunt Emma
• Willard Robertson as Francis X. O’Leary
• Sterling Holloway as “Chilly” Willie Simms
• Charles Waldron as judge (New York)
• Paul Guilfoyle as district attorney, John’s boss
• Charlie Arnt as Tom
• John Wray as Hank
• Thomas W. Ross as Mr. Emory, small-town judge
• Snowflake as Rufus, John’s servant
• Tom Kennedy as “Fat” Mike, the bail bondsman
• Georgia Caine as Lee’s mother
• Virginia Brissac as Mrs. Emory
• Spencer Charters as judge at rummage sale
• Martha Mears as nightclub singer (uncredited)

Storyline:

Unexpected love blossoms when an assistant district attorney agrees to take a recidivist shoplifter home so she doesn’t have to spend Christmas alone in jail.

About Remember the Night Movie:

Remember the Night is an American Christmas romantic comedy film directed by Mitchell Leisen and written by Preston Sturges. The film stars Barbara Stanwyck as Lee Leander and Fred MacMurray as John Sargent, marking the first of four collaborations between the two actors.

Plot Summary

The story centers on Lee Leander (Stanwyck), a shoplifter who is caught stealing during the holiday season. Assistant District Attorney John Sargent (MacMurray) is assigned to prosecute her case. However, as Christmas approaches, Sargent feels sympathy for Lee and decides to postpone her trial until after the holidays, allowing her to spend Christmas away from jail.

Feeling compassion for her situation, Sargent bails Lee out and takes her home to his family in Indiana. As they travel together, a romance begins to blossom between them. However, underlying tensions arise as both characters grapple with their pasts and the realities of their lives—Lee’s criminal behavior and Sargent’s professional obligations.

The film explores themes of redemption and love against the backdrop of Christmas, culminating in a heartfelt conclusion that challenges the characters’ futures together.

Production Details

Remember the Night was produced on a modest budget and was one of the last scripts written by Preston Sturges before he began directing his own films. The film was well-received upon its release, praised for its witty dialogue and strong performances from Stanwyck and MacMurray.

Reception

Upon its release on January 17, 1940, Remember the Night garnered positive reviews for its engaging story and character development. Critics noted its blend of humor and sentimentality, with Frank Nugent of The New York Times describing it as “a memorable film” blessed with an honest script.

Legacy

Though not as widely known as some other Christmas classics, Remember the Night has gained recognition over the years for its charming narrative and strong performances. It is often regarded as an essential holiday film that captures the spirit of compassion and love during the festive season. The film’s exploration of moral dilemmas and personal growth adds depth to its romantic comedy framework, making it a worthwhile watch during Christmas time.