Tonight's Movie: The Great Moment (1944) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

THE GREAT MOMENT (1944), written and directed by Preston Sturges, was recently released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber.

Joel McCrea stars as Dr. William Morton, a one-time medical student in the 19th century who turns to dentistry when funds run out for his education.

Morton is depressed by his patients' suffering and is determined to find a way to relieve their pain. Research combined with trial and error leads him to the discovery of an anesthesia, ether.

Morton's discovery was one of the most important medical advances in history, but wrangling over patents ensued, with Morton ultimately sharing his discovery with the public and not seeing any financial profit.

As a young teenager I saw this film at the Vagabond Theater in Los Angeles, circa 1977. I remembered thinking it was quite strange but little else, so I was curious to revisit it. I felt as though I was watching most of the film for the first time -- and yes, it was indeed quite strange!

Fans of Preston Sturges' comedic genius who approach this film unawares will be expecting a comedy, especially with stars McCrea and Betty Field (who plays Morton's wife Lizzie) grinning and wearing modern dress in the poster. One would never guess from the advertising that it's a period drama with tragic overtones.

THE GREAT MOMENT is an interesting film yet also uncomfortable to watch, insofar as it's a rather sad story with numerous depictions of people in pain.

The movie's non-linear storytelling is an aspect which I think was probably confusing the first time I saw it but which now seems quite modern. I think it helps somewhat that the film begins with the most tragic scenes, as Dr. Morton has just died and we learn about his financial struggles.

From that point the film becomes more lighthearted, with cute courtship and early marital scenes between William and Lizzie. Sturges uses some intriguing visuals to tell the story; for instance, a prolonged kiss with Lizzie in a dental chair is immediately followed by a wordless scene of Lizzie cooing over her baby as she gives it a bath. Fade out. The connection between the kiss and the baby is quite clear!

There are some unexpected moments which help maintain viewer interest, such as Lizzie ripping off her bouncing curls as she argues with William while getting ready for bed. I'm not sure I've ever seen a woman remove false hair in another film of this era! Field is quite charming in this, and her performance as the pretty, supportive, and sometimes exasperated wife is a key strong point.

The film's relatively brisk 83-minute pacing helps propel the viewer past a series of somewhat disturbing scenes, some of which include Louis Jean Heydt as a doctor experimenting with laughing gas. The ending is frankly hokey, but after Dr. Morton's trials and tribulations, an uplifting moment is called for. I simply wish it had been a bit more subtle.

Sturges had a number of uncredited assistants on the script, which was based on the book TRIUMPH OVER PAIN by Rene Fulop-Miller.

As is common for a Sturges film, it has a sterling supporting cast, including William Demarest, Harry Carey (Sr.), Porter Hall, Franklin Pangborn, Grady Sutton, Robert Greig, Thurston Hall, Esther Howard, and more.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray nicely shows off the lovely black and white cinematography by Victor Milner. It's a fine print of this Paramount Pictures film.

Disc extras consist of the trailer; a six-film Kino Lorber trailer gallery; an introduction by Constantine Nasr; and the featurette TRIUMPH OVER PAIN: A CELEBRATION OF PRESTON STURGES with participants including Nasr, Sturges' son Tom, and the late Peter Bogdanovich.

I'd describe THE GREAT MOMENT as an interesting misfire. It doesn't really work yet has memorable moments and a fine cast, top to bottom; Sturges' and McCrea's many fans should probably check it out to better understand their complete careers. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray is a fine way to watch it.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.

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