One Hysterical Night
The scheming aunt and uncle of William Judd, heir to the family fortune, persuade him to pose as Napoleon at a fancy masquerade ball, but they are actually having him committed to an insane asylum. Since all the other inmates/attendees think they are historical figures such as Robin Hood, the Duke of Wellington, Paul Revere, William Tell, Salome, Robinson Crusoe, Sherlock Holmes and others, it takes a while for Judd to separate the wheat from the chaff and prove he is not deranged. His quest becomes more urgent when he falls in love with a nurse named Josephine, who does not think she is Napoleon's "Josephine" but is convinced Judd thinks he is Napoleaon.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, seeking to escape a forced marriage, pretends to be insane to get admitted to a mental institution. Her plan is complicated when she falls in love with a doctor there and becomes entangled in a murder investigation.
Critical Reception
This early sound comedy was generally met with positive reviews for its lighthearted approach to a potentially dark theme. Critics praised its comedic performances and the novelty of its sound elements for the era, though some found the plot a bit predictable.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its humor and energetic performances.
- Appreciated for its early use of synchronized sound.
- Some found the plot's resolution to be less compelling than its setup.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this early film is scarce, but contemporary reviews suggest it was viewed as a charming and amusing diversion.
Fun Fact
This film was one of the earliest feature-length comedies to incorporate synchronized sound, including musical numbers and dialogue, contributing to its novelty at the time of release.
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