UCLA Film and Television Archive presents two feature films by director Frank Borzage, 7:30-11 p.m., Sept. 9, at the UCLA Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theater. The films are the latest in the archive retrospective, "7th Heaven: The Films of Frank Borzage."
The evening will start with the screening of “History is Made at Night,” starring Jean Arthur and Charles Boyer. Borzage’s film proved to be innovative for its time by defying narrative logic and favoring love’s more capricious ways. In the film, unhappily married Irene Vail (Jean Arthur) has grown tired of her husband’s false accusations surrounding an affair and is trying to divorce him. Trouble arises when he learns he can prevent the divorce by proving Irene indeed had an affair. However, his scheme results in Irene falling in love with another man, Paul Dumond (Charles Boyer).
Borzage’s films are remembered for their “love conquers all” theme, and “History is Made at Night” is no exception because when a love triangle ensues, neither Irene’s jealous husband, a bad bouillabaisse or an iceberg in the Atlantic can keep Irene and Paul apart.
One of Borzage’s earlier films, “Desire” showcases his range of talent with this sophisticated romantic comedy that is reminiscent of Ernst Lubitsch — Hollywood's most elegant and sophisticated director — who, not incidentally, served as the film’s producer. The film features screen legends Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper and follows Madeleine de Beaupre’s (Dietrich) jewel heist in Paris and her getaway to Spain to deliver the stolen pearls.
For more information and tickets online, visit UCLA Film and Television Archive. Tickets can also be purchased at the door starting one hour before showtime: $9 general admission; free to all seniors and UCLA Alumni Association members with ID.
