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Thoughts on A Night to Remember (1958)FILM - ANTR (self.titanic)

submitted by cottonbiscuit

I watched the 1958 film A Night to Remember for the first time tonight. My Titanic obsession has reached a fever pitch recently and after rewatching the 1997 film a few weeks ago I had to keep going!

A few thoughts for anyone who is on the fence about watching:

I watched on Criterion but it is also available to rent on Apple and Amazon. It absolutely exceeded my expectations. The book this film is based on was written from interviews of survivors first hand accounts.

It was filmed in the 50s so most of the ship is shot with miniatures but honestly I found impact of these shots hold up extremely well (other then the fact that the ship doesn’t break up in the final moments). The miniature lifeboat shots were fascinating.

The film mostly follows Charles Lightoller as the focus actor plays him. We also get a detailed view of the other officers, first class, and a bit of third class and the below deck engineers. If you’re a lifeboat obsessive I highly recommend watching. Lots of moments with collapsible B (the overturned boat) and number 1 (least filled boat, lots of tension with this one). Molly Brown is a bad ass, as usual, has some great moments, and her lifeboat is portrayed more accurately apparently.

What I appreciated the most was how much detail was shown regarding the Carpathia, Californian, and the wireless operators for all three ships. Heaps focus on the Californian failures, I appreciated this view because it’s so frustrating to read about and to finally see it on film was satisfying.

A ton of moments with everyone’s favorite drunk baker Charles Joughlin. His actor was spot on IMO.

All in all I was totally blown away by this film. I absolutely bawled when the first class husband (can’t place who it’s based on yet) is forced to part with his wife and three children who are getting in a life boat. Those moments have less of an impact in the 1997 film because Rose pops right back on the boat twice (lol). Also the band playing Nearer My God to Thee absolutely destroyed me in this film. The “hero turn” moments with Lightoller are a tad bit of an eye roll… but that’s to be expected. He’s a controversial figure and I honestly prefer how he’s portrayed in the 1997 film- young, terrified, and doing his best.

If you’re a Titanic buff I highly suggest watching this film. If you’ve seen it- what are your thoughts?

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[–]Low-Stick6746 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I love this film. It’s a bit dry but extremely well done, especially for it’s time. I wish it had a dramatic score like Cameron’s film, especially for the iceberg impact scene.

[–]solarflare75 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I recently discovered that the producer of "A Night To Remember", William MacQuitty actually seen Titanic being launched in Belfast.

[–]Malibucat48 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What I found interesting was the little boy had a Golliwog doll. They were very popular at the end of the 19th Century but are now banned as racist. A shop in England was recently raided because they had a collection of them and then closed because of public outcry and vandalism. I don’t think anyone else has mentioned the doll but it was very prominent in the movie.

[–]cottonbiscuit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are so right- this doll really took me aback when it popped up for the first time. And every shot it’s in… a big blaring sign of the times.

I thought he shots of the children’s playroom with the rocking horse were a bit weird… did that room actually exist on the boat? I’ve never seen any mention of anything like that.

[–]lnc_5103 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Thank you. I've not seen it and keep intending to watch it but haven't had time.

[–]Malibucat48 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The full movie is free on YouTube which is where I watched it.

[–]sabbakk 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Watched it yesterday for the first time too. Ngl I find it hard to appreciate films that old because we live at a time when film-making is such a mature and complex art in comparison, but that ofc cannot be held against the oldies. Wouldn't have what we have today without them. It made me appreciate even more how much James Horner's music adds to the 97 film, ANTR sounded deafeningly quiet. Just like for you, Lightoller the main character doesn't really work for me.

The closing card about their deaths not being in vain for today there are boats for everyone made me cringe so bad

[–]Responsible_Oil_5811 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think they wanted the film to end on a high note.