Night Into Morning (1951)

Steeped in the hallowed halls of a prominent American university, we find Philip Ainley, a contentedly wedded English professor, whose idyllic existence is shattered when an explosion cruelly snatches away his wife and child. As the dust settles, Ainley's colleague, Tom Lawry, along with the department's secretary, Katherine Mead, a heartbroken widow herself, strive to offer him solace amidst the ruins of his happiness. Through the passage of time, Lawry begins to believe that the limits of consolation have been reached, sparking a hidden resentment towards Katherine's unflagging attempts to heal Ainley's wounds. Meanwhile, Ainley, maintaining a facade of composure during the wake and subsequent days, ventures down a perilous path to numb his sorrow. He first seeks refuge in the deceptive embrace of alcohol, and later, at the precipice of despair, contemplates suicide. This story of tragic loss and the struggle for recovery is a poignant exploration of human resilience and the complex tapestry of emotions that bind us together. As Ainley grapples with his grief, the relationships amongst these three characters evolve, reflecting the delicate balance between compassion, jealousy, and the instinct for survival.

Night Into Morning is a drama movie featuring Lewis Stone and directed by Fletcher Markle.

Night Into Morning is currently streaming on DIRECTV.