The Shining Hour (1938) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

Frank Borzage will forever be a name in history as he was the first person to win the Academy Award for Best Director for his film 7th Heaven. But he would also direct many other great films including; Street Angel (1928), Bad Girl (1931), A Farewell to Arms (1932), Man's Castle (1933), History Is Made at Night (1937), The Mortal Storm (1940), and Moonrise (1948).

In 1938 he would bring together an all-star cast for a film adaption of a Broadway play entitled The Shining Hour. Now 86 years after it's theatrical release, the good folks at Warner Archive Collection have restored and are releasing this melodrama on Blu-ray with bonus features.

Synopsis: Sick of her life in New York City, nightclub dancer Olivia Riley (Joan Crawford) moves to Wisconsin to marry Henry Linden (Melvyn Douglas), a well-to-do farmer. Complications arise when Olivia and Henry's brother, David (Robert Young), become deeply attracted to each another. David does his best to hide his feelings for Olivia from Henry, but when their coldhearted sister, Hannah (Fay Bainter), learns about the pair's clandestine bond, she'll stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Jane Murfin and Ogden Nash adapted the 1934 play by Keith Winter for the screen. This has all the elements of soap opera so many people love, but the exploration of these character's emotions leave a bit to be desired. Hollywood wanted a happy ending and the ending here felt rushed and almost forced.

Joan Crawford was in the audience one night for the stage production. She was so impressed she went to MGM Executive pleading with them to make the movie and let her play the part of Olivia. Joan and Fay really steal the show here as they are the focal points. But Melvyn Douglas and Robert Young are great supports here. But for me the screen presence of Ms. Hattie McDaniel is perfect. While she has a small role whenever she is on screen she steals the scene. This film appearance was just a year before she would play the role that would earn her, her Oscar in Gone with the Wind.

Warner Archive have restored and transferred this melodrama to Blu-ray in 1080p. It is presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Warner Archive Collection has done a miraculous job with The Shining Hour. We have heard the term "In Glorious Black and White!" Well, film looks glorious! The picture is crisp and clean with no signs of damage to this print that I could see. There is the perfect amount of film grain. And the audio is clean, with just a slight hint of hiss in certain spots. But a remarkable looking transfer is not all that this Blu-ray has going for it! Take a look at what is included as bonus features.

* Good News of 1939: This is an MGM-produced radio program that featured dramatic clips from The Shining Hour.
* Classic Cartoons: 
- Love and Curses (1938) An old couple, Harold and Emily, recalls their past in the 1890s by viewing their old family album.

- Porky’s Five and Ten (1937) Porky sets sail for the Boola-Boola islands in the South Seas with a ship full of general merchandise and plans to open a 5 & 10 cent store, but runs into trouble.

- The Sneezing Weasel (1937) A mother hen is away a weasel tries to get her chick for his meal. The chick's fight back with military expertise. 

* Theatrical Trailer 

I have said it before and I'll say it again I love the addition of classic cartoons and radio dramas. As a person who works in radio this is always a cool bonus.

Now while The Shining Hour may not be the greatest of melodramas ever, it is not without it's fans and the performance of the cast is something that should be seen.

So if you love classic Hollywood melodrama this new Blu-ray release of The Shining Hour will be right up your alley. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today. 

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The Shining Hour Blu-ray receives.....