The Shining Hour

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The Shining Hour is a 1938 American romantic drama directed by Frank Borzage. It stars Joan Crawford as Olivia Riley and Margaret Sullavan as Judy, with Robert Young and Melvyn Douglas as David and Henry Linden. The movie is based on a 1934 play by Keith Winter and features gowns and sets by Adrian and Cedric Gibbons.

Plot
Olivia Riley, a successful New York nightclub dancer, agrees to marry Henry Linden, a wealthy Wisconsin farmer. Henry’s sister Hannah disapproves and keeps watch over the match. Olivia’s connection with Henry’s brother David adds tension, and Hannah’s persistent meddling intensifies the drama. The couple move to Henry’s expansive Wisconsin estate, where Olivia’s circle includes Judy (David’s wife) and a farmhand named Danny who wants to join a big-band scene.

As Olivia and Henry build a life together, secret feelings and jealousy surface. A confrontation with Danny ends in trouble, and a quiet, emotional moment between Olivia and David raises questions about loyalty and love. After months of strain, Olivia and Judy reveal their true feelings and loyalties, while Olivia acknowledges that Henry truly loves her.

A catastrophic fire at the new house, set by Hannah, upends everyone’s plans. Judy is badly burned but survives after Olivia saves her; this crisis makes David realize he loves Judy. Olivia decides she must leave the farm, telling Henry she loves him but needing time apart. Henry follows, and a tense departure begins. In the car, a kiss seals a fragile reconciliation, but a twist involving Belvedere, the maid, leaves the final outcome open to interpretation as they drive away.

Cast
- Joan Crawford as Olivia Riley
- Margaret Sullavan as Judy
- Robert Young as David Linden
- Melvyn Douglas as Henry Linden
- Fay Bainter, Hattie McDaniel and others in supporting roles

Production notes
- The project grew from a 1934 play by Keith Winter.
- Crawford lobbied for a two-woman lead pairing with Sullavan; Fay Bainter joined the cast, and Robert Young replaced an earlier choice for David.
- Filming ran from August 22 to October 3, 1938.
- The film’s costumes and sets were designed by Adrian and Cedric Gibbons.

Reception and box office
- Initial reviews were mixed, with some critics finding the story and melodrama less credible, though Sullavan’s performance was praised and Crawford’s gowns received attention.
- The film earned about $942,000 in the U.S. and Canada and $425,000 internationally, totaling around $1,367,000 against a budget of about $1,068,000. Accounting for costs, MGM recorded a loss of roughly $137,000.