The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) in Color — Starring Jack Benny & Alexis Smith

The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the whimsical fantasy comedy of The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) in color for just €15.00. Directed by Raoul Walsh, this delightful celestial adventure stars Jack Benny as a bumbling angel sent to Earth with a trumpet to signal the end of the world, alongside Alexis Smith, Dolores Moran, and Allyn Joslyn. Available now as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for instant viewing on any device.

Plot Summary

Athanael (Jack Benny) is a third-chair trumpeter in an angelic orchestra that performs in the celestial realms. When the Chief (Guy Kibbee) decides that Earth has become too corrupt to continue, Athanael is given the most important mission in cosmic history: descend to Earth, climb to the top of a tall hotel at exactly midnight, and blow his celestial trumpet to signal the planet’s destruction.

The assignment seems simple enough, but Athanael is spectacularly unsuited for the task. Upon arriving on Earth, he lands in a glamorous nightclub where he immediately becomes distracted by the beautiful singer Elizabeth (Alexis Smith). His attempts to reach the hotel roof are thwarted by a series of increasingly absurd obstacles — two fallen angels named Osidro (Allyn Joslyn) and Doremus (John Alexander) who have been enjoying earthly pleasures and have no intention of letting the world end.

The fallen angels steal Athanael’s trumpet and set in motion a frantic chase through the hotel — from the penthouse suites to the basement kitchens, across window ledges and up elevator shafts. Athanael encounters gangsters, hotel detectives, a romantic subplot, and one catastrophic misunderstanding after another. His celestial powers prove unreliable on Earth, and his attempts to explain his divine mission to mortals are met with understandable skepticism.

As midnight approaches, Athanael must recover his trumpet, evade his angelic pursuers, and decide whether humanity — as represented by the warmth and love he has encountered — truly deserves destruction after all.

Cast & Crew

Director: Raoul Walsh

Stars: Jack Benny, Alexis Smith, Dolores Moran, Allyn Joslyn, John Alexander, Guy Kibbee, Reginald Gardiner, Franklin Pangborn, Margaret Dumont

Jack Benny brings his signature deadpan timing and self-deprecating humor to the role of the incompetent angel, creating comedy gold from his character’s hapless attempts to complete the simplest cosmic mission. Alexis Smith provides glamorous romantic interest, and the supporting cast of veteran comedians elevates every scene with expert timing and inspired physical comedy.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition of The Horn Blows at Midnight brings the fantastical celestial and earthly settings to enchanting visual life. The heavenly orchestra scenes glow with otherworldly warmth, the glamorous nightclub sparkles with 1940s elegance, and the madcap chase sequences through the hotel gain vivid slapstick energy. The contrast between celestial serenity and earthly chaos becomes delightfully vivid in color. Now also available in colour.

Buy your DRM-free MP4 copy today for just €15.00 and enjoy instant download access on any device.

Historical Significance

Released in 1945, The Horn Blows at Midnight became legendary for all the wrong reasons — Jack Benny made it a running gag on his radio and television shows for decades, portraying it as the worst film ever made. In reality, it is a charming fantasy comedy that has been rediscovered and appreciated by modern audiences. Raoul Walsh, the veteran action director, demonstrates surprising comedy skills. Through colorization, this underrated gem is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes, from original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono
• Runtime: 78 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Delivered immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this really a bad film, as Jack Benny always joked?
A: Not at all. Jack Benny made the film’s supposed failure into one of his most famous running gags, but modern viewers find it a genuinely charming and funny fantasy comedy. The joke was far more famous than the film itself, and audiences who actually watch it are typically pleasantly surprised.

Q: Who is Jack Benny?
A: Jack Benny was one of America’s greatest comedians, dominating radio and television from the 1930s through the 1960s. Known for his impeccable timing, self-deprecating humor, and running gags about his stinginess and violin playing, he was one of the most beloved entertainers of the twentieth century.

Q: What genre is this film?
A: It is a fantasy comedy that blends celestial mythology with slapstick humor and romantic comedy. Think of it as a 1940s take on the angel-visits-earth genre, with generous helpings of screwball comedy and elaborate physical gags.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is this download DRM-free?
A: Yes, the file has no digital rights management restrictions, so you can watch it on any device without limitations.

Q: How quickly will I receive my download?
A: Instantly — a download link appears on screen and is also sent to your email immediately after purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Hollywood Canteen (1944)
• Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
• George Washington Slept Here (1942)
• To Be or Not to Be (1942)
• Charley’s Aunt (1941)