The Horn Blows at Midnight 1945
"The curfew blows at midnight but the laughs go on forever!!!"
Raoul Walsh's whimsical 1945 fantasy-comedy *The Horn Blows at Midnight* follows a disillusioned trumpet player who drifts off during a radio broadcast and dreams of being Athanael, a celestial herald tasked with sounding the Last Trumpet at midnight.
Director: Raoul Walsh
Cast
Jack Benny
Athanael
Alexis Smith
Elizabeth
Dolores Moran
Violinist / Fran Blackstone
Allyn Joslyn
Second Trumpeter / Osidro
Reginald Gardiner
Composer / Archie Dexter
Guy Kibbee
Radio Director / The Chief
John Alexander
First Trumpeter / Doremus
Franklin Pangborn
Radio Engineer / Sloan
Margaret Dumont
Mme. Traviata / Miss Rodholder
Robert Blake
Junior Pulplinsky
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) about?
A weary trumpet player falls asleep during a radio broadcast and dreams he's Athanael, a celestial messenger sent to Earth to sound the Last Trumpet at midnight. His divine mission quickly spirals into a series of comedic misadventures as he questions whether the world deserves to end—or if he even wants the job.
Who directed The Horn Blows at Midnight?
Raoul Walsh, the prolific director behind classics like *White Heat* and *The Roaring Twenties*, helmed this offbeat fantasy-comedy with his signature blend of wit and energy.
Who stars in The Horn Blows at Midnight?
The film stars Jack Benny as Athanael, with Alexis Smith as his celestial guide, Dolores Moran as a captivating Earthly distraction, and Allyn Joslyn and Reginald Gardiner adding sharp supporting turns.
Is The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) worth watching?
If you enjoy classic comedies with a fantastical twist, *The Horn Blows at Midnight* delivers charm, humor, and a dash of existential musing. While it's not a heavyweight drama, Walsh's direction and Benny's performance make it a delightful seventy-eight minutes of escapism—perfect for fans of golden-age Hollywood whimsy.
How long is The Horn Blows at Midnight?
The film runs for 78 minutes, making it a perfect bite-sized classic for a cozy movie night.
About The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) — Jack Benny's Dreamy Apocalypse Comedy Explained
Raoul Walsh's whimsical 1945 fantasy-comedy *The Horn Blows at Midnight* follows a disillusioned trumpet player who drifts off during a radio broadcast and dreams of being Athanael, a celestial herald tasked with sounding the Last Trumpet at midnight. As the world teeters on the brink of apocalypse, he navigates a surreal landscape of divine bureaucracy, cosmic stakes, and bureaucratic angels—all while wrestling with the absurdity of his mission. Jack Benny's sharp wit and Alexis Smith's radiant charm anchor this lighthearted romp, blending snappy dialogue with the kind of escapist humor that defined mid-century Hollywood. The film strikes a playful balance between its comedic roots and the weighty premise of a world-ending deadline, creating an atmosphere that's both breezy and unexpectedly poignant.
At its heart, *The Horn Blows at Midnight* is a meditation on second chances and the chaos of fate, wrapped in the glossy sheen of a studio-era fantasy. Benny's deadpan delivery contrasts with the film's earnest exploration of prophecy and purpose, while Walsh's direction keeps the tone buoyant even as the stakes grow cosmic. The movie's blend of music, mischief, and metaphysical whimsy makes it a standout in the genre, appealing to fans of classic comedies and fantastical narratives alike.
