One Exciting Night (1944 film)

For the silent film of the same name, see One Exciting Night (1922 film).

One Exciting Night (also known as You Can't Do Without Love) is a 1944 British musical comedy film directed by Walter Forde and starring Vera Lynn, Donald Stewart and Mary Clare.^[1][2] The screenplay was by Peter Fraser and Howard Irving Young and concerns a female singer who becomes involved with a man who is the target of a robbery and murder plot.

One Exciting Night
Song sheet movie tie-in
Directed by	Walter Forde
Written by	Peter Fraser Howard Irving Young
Story by	Peter Fraser
Produced by	Ben Henry
Starring	Vera Lynn Donald Stewart Frederick Leister
Cinematography	Otto Heller
Edited by	Terence Fisher
Music by	Harry Bidgood
Production company	Columbia Productions
Distributed by	Columbia Pictures
Release dates	4 December 1944 (1944-12-04) (United Kingdom) 26 July 1945 (1945-07-26) (United States)
Running time	89 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Plot

Vera Baker is an aspiring singer desperate for an opportunity to impress producer Michael Thorne. Her chance arrives at a benefit concert that is also the scene of the attempted murder of Thorne by gangsters trying to steal a priceless Rembrandt. Vera somehow eventually thwarts the villains, and along the way manages to wow the audience with her singing.

Cast

• Vera Lynn as Vera Baker
• Donald Stewart as Michael Thorne
• Mary Clare as Mrs. Trout
• Frederick Leister as Hampton
• Phyllis Stanley as Lucille
• Cyril Smith as Joe
• Richard Murdoch as illusionist
• Mavis Villiers as Mabel
• Peggy Anne as Bessie
• Jeanette Redgrave as Ellen

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The film gives Vera Lynn many opportunities for singing, which she does better than acting. There are a few thrills and plenty of fun, and admirers of Richard Murdoch will delight in seeing him as a loquacious illusionist. Although an 'A' film it is eminently suited for family entertainment."^[3]

Kine Weekly wrote: "The plot is neither tidy nor original, but on the other hand it leaves nothing out. Furthermore, its hectic medley of slapstick, song, cabaret and thick ear, culminating with a spectacular 'safety last' finale, throws into effective and showmanlike relief the engaging versatility of the 'Forces Favourite.' In other words, it's good Vera Lynn."^[4]

Leslie Halliwell wrote "Very ho-hum stuff for a very popular but histrionically untried star."^[5]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Not unpleasant mixture of thrills, songs and fun."^[6]

TV Guide called the film a "decent musical farce."^[7]