By Candlelight
| By Candlelight | |
|---|---|
 U.S. theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | James Whale |
| Written by | Ruth Cummings F. Hugh Herbert Hans Kraly(adaptation) Karen DeWolf(additional dialogue) |
| Based on | Candle Light byKarl FarkasandSiegfried Geyer |
| Produced by | Carl Laemmle, Jr. |
| Starring | Elissa Landi Paul Lukas Nils Asther Dorothy Revier |
| Cinematography | John J. Mescall |
| Edited by | Ted Kent David Berg (uncredited) |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 70 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
By Candlelightis a 1933 Americanpre-Codecomedy filmdirected byJames Whale.The film is based on theAustrianplayCandle LightbySiegfried GeyerandKarl Farkas,which was adapted to the English-speaking stage byP. G. Wodehouse.[1]The film starsElissa Landi,Paul Lukas,Nils Asther,andDorothy Revier.A musical version adapted byRowland Leigh,Cole Porter,Robert KatscherandEdwin Gilbertpremiered in 1938 under the titleYou Never Know,but was a critical and box office flop that closed after only 78 performances.
Plot
[edit]During a European train journey, a nobleman's butler Josef (Paul Lukas) is mistaken for his employer Prince Alfred von Romer (Nils Asther) by a beautiful woman, Marie (Elissa Landi), and he does nothing to disillusion her. In due course, the Prince himself arrives and is mistaken for his servant.
Cast
[edit]- Marie -Elissa Landi
- Josef -Paul Lukas
- Prince Alfred von Romer -Nils Asther
- Baroness Louise von Ballin -Esther Ralston
- Count von Rischenheim -Lawrence Grant
- Countess von Rischenheim -Dorothy Revier
- Baron von Ballin -Warburton Gamble
- Ann (The Maid) -Lois January
Critical reception
[edit]The New York Timesoriginally ran a review that calledBy Candlelight"a pleasantly amusing diversion. It is shallow and somewhat obvious in spots, but its little intrigue is set forth with admirable cunning by James Whale and others...The audience yesterday afternoon chuckled with glee when the Prince in brass buttons brought in the champagne, doing the butler's duties in a meticulous fashion."[1]
In a retrospective review,Dave KehrofThe Chicago ReaderdescribedBy Candlelightas "a forgotten effort by cult director James Whale" but recommended the film, arguing that "sophisticated comedy, not horror, was probably Whale’s real forte."[2]
Jim HobermanofThe Village Voiceconcurred, writing that "Whale specialized in comedy as well as horror. Blithely pre-Code,By Candlelightis an upstairs-downstairs bedroom farce, predicated on class privilege and mistaken identity. Where Lubitsch might have been suave; Whale skews the action towards hysteria. "[3]
TV Guidecalled it a "pleasant comedy given a sparkling look by talented, classy director Whale";[4]whileAllmoviewrote, "By Candlelight is chock full of delightfully double-entendrepre-Codedialogue and dextrous directorial touches. "[5]The Radio Timessaid "Universal studios' James Whale, the star director of its famous horror cycle, trespasses here on territory more generally associated withParamountandErnst Lubitsch.While not quite up to the rival studio's standard of sophisticated romantic comedies peopled by aristocrats, this is a more than respectably assembled film, well directed and well acted, particularly by Lukas. "[6]
Radio adaptation
[edit]A one-hour radio adaptation was presented onLux Radio Theatreon June 9, 1935, featuringRobert MontgomeryandIrene Purcell.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ab"Movie Review - By Candlelight - Elissa Landi and Paul Lukas in a Light and Amiable Tale of a Butler's Deception".The New York Times.January 6, 1934.RetrievedJuly 24,2015.
- ^Kehr, Dave (April 24, 2008)."By Candlelight".The Chicago Reader.RetrievedFebruary 9,2022.
- ^Hoberman, Jim (December 1, 2009)."By Candlelight".The Village Voice.RetrievedFebruary 9,2022.
- ^"By Candlelight".TV Guide.
- ^"By Candlelight (1934) - Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast - AllMovie".AllMovie.
- ^Robin Karney."By Candlelight".RadioTimes.
- ^"Journal Radio Programs".The Meriden Daily Journal (Connecticut).June 8, 1935. p. 7.RetrievedAugust 21,2021.