The Other Side of Midnight (1977)

VHS COVER/SIDE

MPAA Certificate Number: 24463

Length of film:  165 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller

Director: Charles Jarrott

Starring: Marie-France Pisier, John Beck, Susan Sarandon, Raf Vallone, Clu Gulager, Christian Marquand

IMDB Rank: 6.1/10

Part 1 Time:  86 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  79 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Armand Gautier (Christain Marquand) and Noelle (Marie-France Pisier) are intimate with one another. Noelle has succeeded in obtaining the female lead for Armand’s upcoming feature film.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Tomorrow we begin your work, if I am still alive?” Armand states to Noelle.

First line of dialogue on the second part: No dialogue, Noelle rides along in the backseat of a car. A title “Paris 1945” is displayed on the screen.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Larry (John Beck) has left for the war putting a stop to his relationship with Noelle. Noelle continues her life, she has now aligned herself with film producer/director Armand Gautier in order to begin her film career. Will Noelle and Larry see each other again?

Which part is better? In part one we are introduced to Larry an American pilot who begins a relationship with Noelle. Larry leaves for the war promising to marry Noelle when he returns. Noelle struggles to find her footing, but gets a break in acting. In part two, Noelle (who is now a successful actress) begins her quest to seek revenge on Larry (who has now since married another women). Part two is by far better as Larry and Noelle’s relationship leads to a terrible fate, full of tragedy and deception.

Academy Awards: Best Costume Design (Nominated)