Midnight Lace

The combination of Doris Day and Rex Harrison in the main leads is an interesting and successful one which was unfortunately never repeated. Doris Day was at this time in 1960 at the absolute peak of her Box Office drawing power in her "second career" as the star of Glossy sex comedies which began with the classic "Pillow Talk". The huge success that "Midnight Lace" enjoyed is very much due to her despite this film being a dramatic departure from the type of roles she is normally remembered for. In her terrific autobiography Doris said that she was very surprised when Ross Hunter offered her this highly dramatic role after the success of "Pillow Talk" but her talents are more than up to this story of a husband trying to drive his wife insane. Rex Harrison in the role of Tony combines the right measures of suave charm and menace to carry off beautifully his part in the proceedings.

A stellar supporting cast is on hand in the form of Roddy McDowell as the no good son of Day's housekeeper who might or might not be the one causing all these terrifying phone calls to Doris's house. The wonderful Myrna Loy in one of her later roles is terrific in the colourful and witty part of Aunt Bea. Her amusing presence in the first part of the story adds a much welcome element of humour to the story and her performance harks back to all her superb work opposite William Powell in the 1930's and 40's.

Improbable most of the story may and certainly the surprise twist at the end will have been worked out long before the conclusion, but it makes for very entertaining viewing. Doris handles all her scenes of sheer terror very well and her slow buildup to the point where she almost looses her mind is very riveting. The situations that continually pursue her such as being almost pushed under a bus, having the recorded voice harrassing her in the fog covered park, and being trapped in the lift with no lights, help to highen the suspense and set the appropiate mood of sheer terror. The musical score chosen for the scenes where Doris is being stalked or menaced on the telephone is excellent and Day's costumnes by the legendary Irene are unsurpassed in the type of elegance that Doris was famed for in her starring years.

"Mignight Lace" is an elegant thriller that pays homage to Hitchcock's work at every turn but is a great film in its own right. While not your typical Doris Day feature it is sure to interest you and displays yet again Doris's diverse talents for both comedy and drama. Enjoy this glossy drama with a dry martini and olives !


Midnight Lace   December 30, 1999
Anthony Santamauro (United States)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Doris Day is one of the most underrated actresses in the business. Her performance in this exciting thriller is brilliant. The film is expertly directed by David Miller who keeps the pace edge of the seat speed. Doris' scene trapped in an elevator is harrowing and her final breakdown is brilliantly acted. She looks fabulous and her wardrobe is exquisite. No one wear clothes better than Doris Day. For those of you who basically know Doris Day as a singer and a commedienne,this movie will show you whata fine actress Doris Day really was. She makes it alllook so easy. Midnight Lace isa top rate thriller. A greatwhodunnit. A top notch DorisDay film. It also has a beautiful soundtrack featuringan instrumental version of oneof Doris' loveliest songs titled What Does A Woman Do.


What A Mysterious Doris Day Movie   July 11, 2004
Chris (Leeds, Utah United States)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This movie is unlike most of Doris's Films in this one their is no singing no happy go lucky like most of hers. Someone wants to kill Doris Day ? Who would want to do that. Could it be Her Aunt Bee (Myrna Loy) Could it be Roddy MacDowell, Could it be the sweet Construction worker ? Who is it. This movie takes you on a Mysterious Who Done It adventure in London. This is a great suspense film and one not to be missed. I have all 39/39 of her films and this is one of my top favorites because it isn't like most of hers. Rex Harrison plays a beautiful part as her husband. This movie just goes on and on through the streets of London as she gets threats over the telephone meets mysterious stranges in the dark. This is a truly great movie. I highly reccomend it to anyone who likes Doris Day.


This Movie Should Be on DVD In Region 1 Format!   October 7, 2005
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Midnight Lace is one of my favorite Doris Day movies. It is very different from most of her other movies and is not a romantic comedy or a musical but a mystery and suspense drama movie about an American woman named Kit Preston living in London with her new husband and Kit is being harrassed and receiving threatening phone calls but she is having a hard time getting the police and her friends and her husband and her aunt to believe her and they think she is making it up for attention. I think Doris Day was very good and really proved that she could do more dramatic material and the other actors who include Rex Harrison, John Gavin, Myrna Loy and Roddy McDowall were also very good. I would like to see Midnight Lace transferred to a region 1 DVD. A previous reviewer staed that the movie is on DVD but I think that maybe he was referring to a DVD that is available in another country and a different region zone edition or perhaps he was referring to a copy on DVD that he or a friend burned onto a DVD using a DVD recorder. I want aprofessionally made region 1 DVD!