Blu-ray debut for Mitchell Leisen's memorable romantic melodrama, HOLD BACK THE DAWN

Mitchell Leisen (1898-1972) remains one of Hollywood's more under-appreciated directors, even though he worked consistently and very well in a number of popular genres, particularly during the 20-year period between 1934 and 1953, when he was responsible for helming such semi-classics as Easy Living, Lady in the Dark,  Midnight, and To Each His Own -- among a number of others. Up there with his finest efforts is the excellent romantic melodrama, HOLD BACK THE DAWN, a film with such an unusual framework that it must have surprised and delighted movie-goers no end, when it was released in 1941.

Mr. Leisen, shown at left, not only directed this one, but he acts in it, too -- playing, yes, a movie director at Paramount Studios (the company that released Hold Back the Dawn), whom the lead character, played by Charles Boyer, seeks out for help during the section that begins and finally frames the movie.

Mr. Boyer (below, left) plays a European immigrant of somewhat shady background who is trying to get into the United States legally -- but via any means necessary.  Gosh: Trade European for Latin American, and how very timely the movie becomes!

After re-connecting with an old dance partner/good-time girl (played by Paulette Goddard, below, right) and hearing from her about how easy the whole thing could be if he simply married an American woman, Boyer realizes that he has just met one -- though under not the best of circumstances.

That would, of course, be co-star Olivia de Havilland (below), whom Boyer then quickly re-meets, while making certain he is using all that fine French charm for which the actor was duly famous. Was there ever a French-born-and-raised actor so popular with the American public in Hollywood films? I don't think so. Maurice Chevalier managed a degree of it (never more so than in his later years) and Alain Delon certainly tried. But Boyer nailed it. TrustMovies suspects this was as much due to his excellent command of English, without too heavy an accent, as to his being very good looking.

Ms de Havilland -- playing one of her many variations on the prim and proper (while romantic and passionate underneath) heroine -- and M. Boyer are terrific together, quickly pulling the audience in to their initially charming affection and finally into something much deeper. The very good screenplay, from a story by Ketti Frings, balances smart repartee with genuine feeling and is credited to multi-Oscar winners Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder.

Ms Goddard is her usual wise and sexy self, while the entire supporting cast (including a lovely turn by Rosemary DeCamp) does the movie proud. Leisen, ever the professional, does an expert job as both director and supporting actor. He calibrates every scene in exactly the manner needed, and helps bring superlative performances from both his leading players and those in even the smallest roles.

The filmmaker is as good with sly (and more obvious) humor as he is with the large romantic gesture, and the result is one of the most satisfying Hollywood romances on record. You end up, rightly so, rooting for everyone here. And they absolutely deserve it.

The new Blu-ray transfer, via Arrow Academy and distributed in the USA by MVD Entertainment Group, is a treat, as are the several bonus features, including a newly filmed video appreciation by film critic Geoff Andrew. The Blu-ray will hit the street this coming Tuesday, July 16 -- for purchase and (I would hope somewhere) rental, too.