Another Dawn (1937 film)

Last updated
Another Dawn
Another Dawn.jpg
Lobby Card
Directed by William Dieterle
Screenplay by Laird Doyle
Based on Caesar's Wife
by W. Somerset Maugham
Produced by Harry Joe Brown
Jack L. Warner
Hal B. Wallis
Starring
Cinematography Tony Gaudio
Edited by Ralph Dawson
Music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
  • June 18, 1937 (1937-06-18) [1]
Running time
73 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$552,000 [2] [3]
Box office$1,045,000 [3] [2]

Another Dawn (also known as Caesar's Wife) is a 1937 American melodrama film directed by William Dieterle and starring Errol Flynn, Kay Francis and Ian Hunter. It is based on Somerset Maugham's 1919 play Caesar's Wife . It was produced and distributed by Warner Brothers. The film received dismissive reviews. [4]

Contents

Plot

Colonel John Wister (Ian Hunter) is in charge of a post in the British desert colony of Dickit. While on leave in England he meets and falls in love with the beautiful American Julia Ashton (Kay Francis), whose aviator fiancé disappeared in his plane and presumably died. Although Julia does not love John, she likes him and agrees to his marriage proposal.

John takes Julia to Dickit, where she meets John's best friend, Captain Denny Roark (Errol Flynn), and Denny's sister, Grace (Frieda Inescort), who is secretly in love with John. Denny reminds Julia of her dead fiancé and the two of them fall in love. John discovers this; although he would give her a divorce, he knows that she is too decent to leave him.

A subplot involves Private Wilkins, guilty of cowardice, given a second chance by the Colonel and abused by the other enlisted men, who present him with a box full of white feathers. On an expedition led by Roark, Wilkins “picks up his white feathers” and dies defending his comrades.

An uprising by local Arabs means that one of the soldiers must fly a suicidal bombing mission. Denny volunteers, but as he is saying good bye to Julia, John takes off instead, sacrificing his life so that his best friend and wife can be together.

Cast

Production

Development

Somerset Maugham's play Caesar's Wife was first performed in 1919, starring C. Aubrey Smith. It concerned Sir Arthur Little, a British consulate agent in Cairo, who married a 19-year-old wife, Violet. Violet likes Little but falls in love with his private secretary, Ronald Perry. [5] The play was filmed in 1928 as Infatuation, starring Corinne Griffith. [6]

Warners bought the rights to Caesar's Wife in late 1935. [7] Errol Flynn had just impressed the studio with his performance in Captain Blood, and he was announced as the male lead of Caesar's Wife in February 1936. [8]

In March, it was announced Flynn and Bette Davis would co-star in Another Dawn and that the film would be set in Iraq, with Laird Doyle, who had written Dangerous, doing the script. [9] Doyle would receive an original story credit for the film, with no attribution being given to Maugham, although the film also dealt with a love triangle between two friends and the wife of one of them in a colonial outpost.

Ian Hunter later joined as the third star. [10] In June, Warners announced that the film would be one of their "special productions" for the following year. [11]

Flynn insisted that Warner Bros give him three months off after the production so he could travel to Borneo and take footage for a film based on a story of his own, The White Rajah. [12]

Then Davis went on suspension, forcing Warners to find other actors to take over her roles. Tallulah Bankhead was announced for Another Dawn but The New York Times said this casting was "subject to change without notice." [13] Eventually Warners decided to give the role to Kay Francis; William Dieterle was to direct. [14]

"I don't do much in it," said Francis. "Things just happen about me. I am just a wife who has been unfortunate in love, as usual." [15]

Shooting

Filming of Another Dawn took place on the Warners backlot at Lasky Mesa, in Calabasas, California, with action sequences also shot in Yuma, Arizona. Flynn apparently wrecked his ankle while playing tennis during the making of the film and required hospitalization. [16] Francis also missed three days filming due to toxic poisoning. [17]

William Dieterle, in a memo to Hal Wallis dated July 21, 1938, claimed he did not want to make the film but did it as a favour to producer Hal Wallis. [18] Errol Flynn did not want to make the film either, and he did not like working for William Dieterle. He was also negotiating with Warner Bros. for a new contract and on one occasion refused to come out of his trailer. [19]

Filming began September 26, 1936, but Francis was exhausted after making back-to-back pictures, and it was showing up in the footage. Warners was interrupted when an exhausted Francis went in holiday in Europe in November 1936. [20] It resumed and was completed in February 1937. [3]

Erich Wolfgang Korngold was so pleased with his theme music for this production that he used it in the first movement of the Violin Concerto he wrote some years later. [21]

Reception

According to Warner Bros records, Another Dawn earned $572,000 domestically (in the US and Canada) and $473,000 overseas. [3] [2]

Generally, critical reviews were dismissive, saying that the film was mainly notable for its "haunting score" rather than its actors or story. [22]

In her September 1, 1937, review for Macleans, Ann Ross observed that the film is “an oid-fashioned problem drama, presenting Kay Francis in the usual set of mournful predicaments, the usual outfit of wonderful clothes. She… marries Colonel John Wister (Ian Hunter), assuring him that “every woman who is honest with herself knows that she can only love once.” She goes with him to a desert outpost where she meets Captain Denny Roark (Errol Flynn), and recognizes at once that every woman who is honest with herself knows that it’s possible to make a mistake. Things intensify rapidly, what with stifled passion, fighting Arabs and raging siroccos. In the end Colonel Wister flies away on a suicide mission, leaving the lovers facing another dawn. There’s nothing very new about Miss Francis’ latest picture except the star’s wardrobe. Even in the middle of an Arabian sandstorm, she’s still the screen’s best-dressed woman.” [23]

Follow-up

In 1939 Warners announced Flynn and Geraldine Fitzgerald would star in The Outpost, adapted from Caesar's Wife by Somerset Maugham and directed by Michael Curtiz. [24] Eventually announcements stated that Flynn had been replaced by Cary Grant. Warners was advertising the film as late as 1941, but apparently it was never made. [25]

Related Research Articles

<i>Edge of Darkness</i> (1943 film) 1943 film by Lewis Milestone

Edge of Darkness is a 1943 World War II film directed by Lewis Milestone that features Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan, and Walter Huston. The feature is based on a script written by Robert Rossen which was adapted from the 1942 novel The Edge of Darkness by William Woods.

<i>The Charge of the Light Brigade</i> (1936 film) 1936 film by Michael Curtiz

The Charge of the Light Brigade is a 1936 American historical adventure film from Warner Bros., starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. It was directed by Michael Curtiz and produced by Samuel Bischoff, with Hal B. Wallis as the executive producer. The film's screenplay is by Michael Jacoby and Rowland Leigh, from a story by Michael Jacoby, and based on the 1854 poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The music score was composed by Max Steiner, his first for Warner Bros., and the cinematography was by Sol Polito. Scenes were shot at the following California locations: Lone Pine, Sherwood Lake, Lasky Mesa, Chatsworth, and Sonora. The Sierra Nevada mountains were used for the Khyber Pass scenes.

<i>Fours a Crowd</i> 1938 film by Michael Curtiz

Four's a Crowd is a 1938 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Rosalind Russell and Patric Knowles. The picture was written by Casey Robinson and Sig Herzig from a story by Wallace Sullivan. This was the fourth of nine films in which Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland appeared.

<i>Gentleman Jim</i> (film) 1942 film by Raoul Walsh

Gentleman Jim is a 1942 film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Errol Flynn as heavyweight boxing champion James J. Corbett (1866–1933). The supporting cast includes Alexis Smith, Jack Carson, Alan Hale, William Frawley, and Ward Bond as John L. Sullivan. The movie was based upon Corbett's 1894 autobiography, The Roar of the Crowd. The role was one of Flynn's favorites.

<i>Adventures of Don Juan</i> 1948 film by Vincent Sherman

Adventures of Don Juan is a 1948 American Technicolor swashbuckling adventure romance film directed by Vincent Sherman and starring Errol Flynn and Viveca Lindfors, with Robert Douglas, Alan Hale, Ann Rutherford, and Robert Warwick. Also in the cast are Barbara Bates, Raymond Burr, and Mary Stuart. The film was distributed by Warner Bros. and produced by Jerry Wald. The screenplay by George Oppenheimer and Harry Kurnitz, based on a story by Herbert Dalmas, has uncredited contributions by William Faulkner and Robert Florey.

<i>The Sisters</i> (1938 film) 1938 drama film by Anatole Litvak

The Sisters is a 1938 American drama film produced and directed by Anatole Litvak and starring Errol Flynn and Bette Davis. The screenplay by Milton Krims is based on the 1937 novel of the same title by Myron Brinig.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Errol Flynn filmography</span>

The film appearances of movie actor Errol Flynn (1909–1959) are listed here, including his short films and one unfinished feature.

<i>That Forsyte Woman</i> 1949 film by Compton Bennett

That Forsyte Woman is a 1949 American romantic drama film directed by Compton Bennett and starring Greer Garson, Errol Flynn, Walter Pidgeon, Robert Young and Janet Leigh. It is an adaptation of the 1906 novel The Man of Property, the first book in The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy.

<i>The Prince and the Pauper</i> (1937 film) 1937 film by William Dieterle, William Keighley

The Prince and the Pauper is a 1937 film adaptation of the 1881 novel of the same name by Mark Twain. It starred Errol Flynn, twins Billy and Bobby Mauch in the title roles, and Claude Rains and has been described as "a kids' fantasy."

<i>Green Light</i> (1937 film) 1937 film by Frank Borzage

Green Light is a 1937 American drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Errol Flynn, Anita Louise and Margaret Lindsay. The film is adapted from a novel written by Lloyd C. Douglas. The novel is closely related to Douglas' previous book, Magnificent Obsession, which was also adapted as a movie. It was Flynn's first starring role in a studio film that was not an action movie.

<i>The Master of Ballantrae</i> (1953 film) 1953 film by William Keighley

The Master of Ballantrae is a 1953 British Technicolor adventure film starring Errol Flynn and Roger Livesey. It is a loose and highly truncated adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson 1889 novel of the same name. In eighteenth century Scotland, two sons of a laird clash over the family estate and a lady.

<i>The Case of the Curious Bride</i> 1935 film by Michael Curtiz

The Case of the Curious Bride is a 1935 American mystery film, the second in a series of four starring Warren William as Perry Mason, following The Case of the Howling Dog. The script was based on the 1934 novel of the same name by Erle Stanley Gardner, published by William Morrow and Company, which proved to be one of the most popular of all the Perry Mason novels.

<i>Footsteps in the Dark</i> (film) 1941 film by Lloyd Bacon

Footsteps in the Dark is a light-hearted 1941 mystery film, starring Errol Flynn as an amateur detective investigating a murder.

<i>Rocky Mountain</i> (film) 1950 film

Rocky Mountain is a 1950 American Western film directed by William Keighley and starring Errol Flynn. It also stars Patrice Wymore, who married Flynn in 1950. The film is set in California near the end of the American Civil War.

<i>Cry Wolf</i> (1947 film) 1947 film by Peter Godfrey

Cry Wolf is a 1947 American mystery film noir directed by Peter Godfrey and starring Errol Flynn, Barbara Stanwyck and Geraldine Brooks. It was produced and distributed by Warner Bros. It is based on the 1945 novel of the same name by Marjorie Carleton.

<i>The Perfect Specimen</i> 1937 film by Michael Curtiz

The Perfect Specimen is a 1937 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Errol Flynn and Joan Blondell. The picture is based on a novel by Samuel Hopkins Adams.

<i>Adventures of Captain Fabian</i> 1951 film by Robert Florey

Adventures of Captain Fabian or Adventure in New Orleans is a 1951 American adventure film directed by William Marshall and starring Errol Flynn, Micheline Presle, Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead and Victor Francen.

<i>Mara Maru</i> 1952 film by Gordon Douglas

Mara Maru is a 1952 American noir action film starring Errol Flynn, Ruth Roman and Raymond Burr. Directed by Gordon Douglas, it was the last movie Flynn made for Warner Bros where he had started out in Hollywood in 1935.

Cruise of the Zaca is a short documentary on 16mm about a trip taken by Errol Flynn in 1946 on his boat the Zaca to collect specimens with his father, Professor Theodore Thomson Flynn, an eminent marine biologist. The trip was done in association with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography of the University of California and took place off the east coast of Mexico and in the West Indies.

Caesar's Wife is a 1919 play by the British writer Somerset Maugham. Its West End run at the Royalty Theatre in London lasted for 241 performances from 27 March to 25 October 1919. Amongst the original cast were C. Aubrey Smith, Fay Compton, George Relph and Helen Haye.

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Kear and Rossman 2006, p. 186.
  2. 1 2 3 Warner Bros financial information in The William Shaefer Ledger. See Appendix 1, Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, (1995) 15:sup1, 1-31 p 17 DOI: 10.1080/01439689508604551
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Another Dawn." Archived January 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine Kay Francis Films. Retrieved: January 26, 2014.
  4. ↑ Vagg, Stephen (November 10, 2019). "The Films of Errol Flynn: Part 2 The Golden Years". Filmink.
  5. ↑ Maugham, W. Somerset. "Caesar's wife." Play Pictorial, 34.206, April 1919, pp. 66–79.
  6. ↑ "Somerset Maugham comes to screen: Corinne Griffin stars in film version of 'Caesar's Wife'." The China Press[Shanghai], December 20, 1928, p. 7.
  7. ↑ "Screen notes;" The New York Times , November 1, 1935, p. 25.
  8. ↑ Schallert, Edwin. "His Majesty, Bunker Bean" announced as starring picture for John Beal: Actor returning to Hollywood April 1; Robert Taylor scheduled soon to portray Piccadilly Jim; Olivia de Havilland will appear opposite Flynn in feature.' Los Angeles Times, February 14, 1936, p. A23.
  9. ↑ Schallert, Edwin. "Sigmund Romberg will prepare his operetta, "Princess Flavia," for screen: Picture may be for MacDonald and Eddy; Errol Flynn and Bette Davis slated to do "Another Dawn." Los Angeles Times, March 10, 1936, p. A19.
  10. ↑ Schallert, Edwin. "Errol Flynn will again become pirate chieftain in "Sea Hawk" revival: Stalwart favorite faces lively season; Jack Oakie sought for re-impersonation of comedy character in "Street Girl'; Paramount gets 'Double or Nothing'." Los Angeles Times, May 25, 1936, p. 15.
  11. ↑ "Warners to show 60 feature films, 1936–37; Productuon schedule announced at convention in progress her." The New York Times, June 5, 1936, p. 27.
  12. ↑ "Flynn to film background of jungle cinema." Los Angeles Times, August 18, 1936, p. A14.
  13. ↑ "Roles of Bette Davis being redistributed; Ann Harding's new play, 'Love From a Stranger'." The New York Times, July 20, 1936, p. 11.
  14. ↑ Schallert, Edwin. "Metro pays $100,000 for film rights to unpublished book: Fannie Hurst's 'Great Laughter' to Be produced." Los Angeles Times, September 4, 1936, p. A19.
  15. ↑ Shaffer, George. "Kay Francis stars in film of army life: Calls love scenes just part of day's work." Chicago Daily Tribune, October 20, 1936, p. 20.
  16. ↑ Shaffee, George. "Mule is a mule even when he acts in movies: Convinces Flynn a sailor's happier than a soldier. Chicago Daily Tribune, November 10, 1936, p. 18.
  17. ↑ Schallert, Edwin. "Jean Fontaine, sister of star, wins 'Quality Street' role; Charles Bickford to play villain for Paramount. Los Angeles Times, October 29, 1936, p. 15.
  18. ↑ Behlmer 1987, p. 72.
  19. ↑ Mateas, Lisa."Articles: ' Another Dawn'." [ permanent dead link ]Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved: July 18, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Fire sweels rooming house." Los Angeles Times, November 20, 1936, p. A1.
  21. ↑ Thomas et al. 1969, p. 57.
  22. ↑ Bret 2004, p. 52.
  23. ↑ ROSS, ANN. "Shots and Angles | Maclean's | SEPTEMBER 1, 1937". Maclean's | The Complete Archive. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  24. ↑ Churchill, Douglas W. "Screen news Here." The New York Times, September 6, 1939, p. 32.
  25. ↑ "Warner Bros. stories listed: Million dollars worth of plots on hand for films to be made in 1941." Los Angeles Times, January 3, 1941, p. 10.

Bibliography

  • Behlmer, Rudy, ed. Inside Warner Bros (1935-1951). Cambridge, Ontario, Canada: Fireside, 1987. ISBN   978-0-6716-3135-2.
  • Bret, David. Errol Flynn: Satan's Angel. London: Anova Books, 2004. ISBN   978-1-8610-5786-0.
  • Kear, Lynn and John Rossman.Kay Francis: A Passionate Life and Career. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Co. 2006. ISBN   978-0-7864-2366-8.
  • Thomas, Tony, Rudy Behlmer and Clifford McCarty. The Complete Films of Errol Flynn. New York: Citadel Press, 1969. ISBN   978-0-8065-0237-3.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.