A Kiss in the Dark
(1949)
88 mins | Romantic comedy | 26 March 1949
Cast:
David Niven, Jane Wyman, Victor Moore [ More ]Director:
Delmer DavesWriter:
Harry KurnitzProducer:
Harry KurnitzCinematographer:
Robert BurksEditor:
David WeisbartProduction Designer:
Stanley FleischerProduction Company:
Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.The film's working title was The Cleopatra Arms. According to a news item in 22 Oct 1947 LAEx, Lauren Bacall was to co-star in the film with Dennis Morgan. A 1 Mar 1948 Var news item reports that Joan Crawford was to star in the film, but on 4 Mar 1948, HR noted that Jane Wyman replaced Crawford. A contemporary news item indicates that Ray Turner recorded the piano solos and coached David Niven on piano playing technique. At one time, Warner Bros. was planning to make a film based on the Victor Herbert operetta, A Kiss in the Dark, but that property bears no relation to this picture. ...
The film's working title was The Cleopatra Arms. According to a news item in 22 Oct 1947 LAEx, Lauren Bacall was to co-star in the film with Dennis Morgan. A 1 Mar 1948 Var news item reports that Joan Crawford was to star in the film, but on 4 Mar 1948, HR noted that Jane Wyman replaced Crawford. A contemporary news item indicates that Ray Turner recorded the piano solos and coached David Niven on piano playing technique. At one time, Warner Bros. was planning to make a film based on the Victor Herbert operetta, A Kiss in the Dark, but that property bears no relation to this picture.
Exhausted after twenty-one years of touring, concert pianist Eric Phillips learns that his financial advisor, Peter Danilo, has purchased an apartment building from its former owner, a taxidermist, when he is served with a warrant ordering him to visit the building and perform the necessary repairs. Among the tenants is Polly Haines, a photographer's model. Eric is quite taken with her and while they are talking, insurance salesman Bruce Arnold arrives. When Polly learns that Eric is afraid of damaging his hands, she suggests that Bruce insure them, and Bruce enthusiastically agrees, saying that he and Polly could then marry with the money from the commission. The following day the tenants all gather on the roof to welcome Eric. They announce their intention to fix up the building together, with plans for a day care center and roof garden. At the suggestion of the manager, Horace Willoughby, Polly takes Eric on a hike with some of the boys from the building. On their return to the apartment, Eric is met by a building inspector who announces that the building repairs are not up to code, and Eric then fires Willoughby. Polly reproachfully informs him that Willoughby was forced to sell the building after he went broke from helping others and accuses Eric of being spoiled. Eric then rehires Willoughby and gives him a free hand with the building repairs. Soon, Polly and Eric have fallen in love, and, on the advice of Eric's friend, Madame Karina, an elderly musician, Polly tries to introduce Eric to more relaxing pursuits. Overcome by jealousy, Bruce picks a fight with Eric, and convinces him ...
Exhausted after twenty-one years of touring, concert pianist Eric Phillips learns that his financial advisor, Peter Danilo, has purchased an apartment building from its former owner, a taxidermist, when he is served with a warrant ordering him to visit the building and perform the necessary repairs. Among the tenants is Polly Haines, a photographer's model. Eric is quite taken with her and while they are talking, insurance salesman Bruce Arnold arrives. When Polly learns that Eric is afraid of damaging his hands, she suggests that Bruce insure them, and Bruce enthusiastically agrees, saying that he and Polly could then marry with the money from the commission. The following day the tenants all gather on the roof to welcome Eric. They announce their intention to fix up the building together, with plans for a day care center and roof garden. At the suggestion of the manager, Horace Willoughby, Polly takes Eric on a hike with some of the boys from the building. On their return to the apartment, Eric is met by a building inspector who announces that the building repairs are not up to code, and Eric then fires Willoughby. Polly reproachfully informs him that Willoughby was forced to sell the building after he went broke from helping others and accuses Eric of being spoiled. Eric then rehires Willoughby and gives him a free hand with the building repairs. Soon, Polly and Eric have fallen in love, and, on the advice of Eric's friend, Madame Karina, an elderly musician, Polly tries to introduce Eric to more relaxing pursuits. Overcome by jealousy, Bruce picks a fight with Eric, and convinces him that Polly was only being nice to him in order to sell him the insurance. Eric then prepares to go away on tour again, but when he returns to the apartment for some sheet music he accidentally left behind, Willoughby loosens the door handle, thereby locking him in with Polly. Forced to talk to each other, Polly learns what Bruce told Eric and Eric learns that Danilo was trying to separate him from Polly. Eric takes his revenge on both Bruce and Danilo when he and Polly leave for his tour, which will serve as their honeymoon.
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