Night and Day

Directed by Michael Curtiz, 1946
TV-G; 130 minutes

“With Cary Grant giving a casual and thoroughly ingratiating performance as the gifted songwriter, and with Monty Wooley on hand to let some delightfully acid comments drop ... the new Technicolored opus ... moves with slick cinematic and rhythmical ease from one Porter hit tune to another.” —The New York Times (1946)

In this fictionalized musical biopic, Cary Grant stars as Cole Porter, one of Broadway’s most brilliant songwriters. When his first stage show fails, Porter goes off to fight in World War I until, injured, he lands in a hospital. He impresses nurse Linda Lee (Alexis Smith) with his creativity, but their budding romance must wait as Cole heads home. Back in New York, he mounts a series of popular shows, and when his work brings him back to Europe, he eventually marries Linda. But success doesn't spare him from marital complications or bad news about a beloved relative. The film also stars Monty Wooley, Jane Wyman, Eve Arden, and Broadway legend Mary Martin, as herself.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

Step into September with a sparkling lineup of Technicolor songs, comic timing, and old-Hollywood charm.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (free for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.