When Joan Crawford saw The Shining Hour on the Broadway stage, she pleaded with M-G-M executives to let her spread her acting wings in the film version. Ms. Crawford got her way, playing a New York siren who marries a prosperous farmer (Melvyn Douglas) and moves to Wisconsin. There she is drawn to his handsome brother (Robert Young) , even as she befriends the brother’s selfless wife (Margaret Sullavan, Crawford’s choice for the role). The passionate triangle plays out in the best tradition of classic screen melodrama, glossy and chic, but resonant with honest emotion, all under the expert direction of the great Frank Borzage. The film’s heart-stopping climax with Crawford battling flames to rescue Sullavan from certain death is both literally and figuratively, incendiary filmmaking.

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Video Quality

Warner Archive presents The Shining Hour with a great 1080p transfer sourced from a new 4K restoration of the best preservation elements. The label always finds a way to make a movie appear as good as new even when not working from the Original Camera Negative. The black-and-white photography from George J. Folsey maintains the perfect amount of natural film grain that resolves impeccably. There are a handful of softer shots, but the transfer is a beauty with no excessive signs of wear and tear or dirt specks. Both the city setting in the beginning and the country estate provide intricate textures and clarity throughout the narrative. Black levels are deep with robust stability throughout, and the contrast holds steady with nothing appearing overly bright. Compression seems to be in enviable shape overall. Warner Archive has made Joan Crawford fans very happy with this release.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray comes with a restored DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that stands tall alongside the video restoration. The restoration has eliminated all obvious instances of deficiencies in the track such as previous popping, hissing, and dropouts. This track ensures every distinct element thrives with firm fidelity. Dialogue and background texture flow out with perfect accuracy along with a grand score from Franz Waxman. Dramatic exchanges come through clearly without being overpowered by other elements. The more lively moments such as a disaster that occurs in the latter half of the film are handled well as they give the track some substance. The audio presentation knocks it out of the park. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included in the feature film.

Special Features

MGM Radio Program: A 23-minute vintage program entitled Good News of 1939 which features scenes from The Shining Hour among various skits and promotional bits.

Classic Cartoons

- Love and Curses: The nearly nine-minute Merrie Melodies short is provided here in HD which finds an elderly couple reflecting on their youth filled with danger and jealousy.

- Porky’s Five and Ten: The seven-minute Looney Tunes short is provided here in HD which finds Porky attempting to cross the sea to open up a general store until he is interrupted by aquatic life.

- The Sneezing Weasel: The seven-minute Merrie Melodies short is provided here in HD which finds a weasel impersonating a doctor to get close to a sick chick.

Original Theatrical Trailer: The three-minute trailer is provided here.

Final Thoughts

The Shining Hour is a decently engaging melodrama that is held aloft by Joan Crawford. Neither of the main men in this story has much of a connection with the leading lady, but Crawford is so good that you completely buy into the emotional complexity of the character. We were more hooked by the banter with Margaret Sullavan, who just about matches Crawford in screen presence. For the women alone, this feature is worth a look. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray that features a pleasant A/V presentation and some valuable special features. If you are a fan of the performers, you will cherish this release. Recommended

The Shining Hour can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.