Watch All Night Long
- NR
- 1963
- 1 hr 31 min
-
7.1 (1,520)
All Night Long is a 1962 British film directed by Basil Dearden, starring Patrick McGoohan, Keith Michell, and Betsy Blair. The movie is based on Shakespeareâs play Othello and is set in the world of jazz music in London. The story begins with jazz promoter Aurelius Rex (played by Paul Harris) throwing a party at his mansion to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his record label. The night is filled with music, dancing, and drama, as the relationships between Rex and his wife, Delia (played by Betsy Blair), and the various musicians and guests begin to unravel.
Meanwhile, at the nearby Del Monico club, jazz drummer Johnny Cousin (played by Patrick McGoohan) is preparing for a night of music with his band. Cousin is a jealous and manipulative man who is determined to ruin the career of his former bandmate and rival, American jazz trumpeter Aurelius Rex (played by Paul Harris).
Cousin concocts a plan to drive a wedge between Rex and his wife Delia by casting doubt on their relationship. He brings in his friend, Cass (played by Keith Michell), to seduce Delia, and then convinces Rex that she is having an affair. As the night goes on, tensions rise, and the charactersâ true colors are revealed.
The film features a wonderful Jazz score by legendary composer Philip Green and includes performances by jazz greats such as Dave Brubeck, Charlie Mingus, and Johnny Dankworth. The music plays an integral role in the narrative, as the charactersâ emotions are expressed through the music they play and the songs they sing.
All Night Long is a visually stunning film. The black and white cinematography by cinematographer Ken Hodges is exquisite, and the film captures the essence of 1960s London perfectly. From the trendy jazz clubs to the opulent parties, the film presents a vivid snapshot of a bygone era.
One of the standout performances in the film is Patrick McGoohan as Johnny Cousin. McGoohan is electric as the manipulative drummer, and his portrayal of Cousin has been likened to Shakespeareâs Iago. He is a character with no redeeming qualities, and yet McGoohan is able to bring depth and nuance to the role.
Another standout performance comes from Betsy Blair as Delia, the wife of Aurelius Rex. Blair is charming and elegant, and her scenes with Keith Michell as Cass are some of the filmâs most heartbreaking moments.
Overall, All Night Long is a masterful film that blends drama, music, and Shakespeare in a unique and memorable way. The filmâs themes of jealousy, ambition, and betrayal are timeless, and the performances by its talented cast make it a true classic of British cinema.
All Night Long is a 1963 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.