In History is Made at Night (1937) Boyer plays the debonair maitre d' of a Paris restaurant who comes to Jean Arthur's assistance during a particularly nasty little scene set up by her psychotically possessive husband (played by Colin Clive, of Frankenstein fame -- the doctor, not the monster).  He's a monster in this one, though, and Jean would really like to get far away from him.  Instead, he forces her to accompany him to New York via cruise ship, using her new-found love for Boyer as a form of blackmail. The suave (and lonesome) Boyer refuses to lose her, and follows her to New York.

History is a strange blend of sophisticated comedy and melodrama, but it works.  As Boyer's friend, Leo Carillo contributes amusing commentary: "Look at those skywipers!" (while gazing at the New York skyline); or, in disdain of a particular menu item: "If this is bouillabaisse, I'll eat it!"
Boyer's adroitness at both comedy and drama are neatly showcased, and Jean Arthur is equally capable of balancing the two ends of the spectrum.  The film is unabashedly romantic, offering escapism and love as the answers to poverty, abusive husbands and even major shipwrecks!  Vive l'amour!

Their ship has struck an iceberg, but Irene refuses to board the last lifeboat view more pictures        view posters:    one   ~     two