The Horn Blows at Midnight

The Horn Blows at Midnight

Year: 1945

Runtime: 78 min

Language: English

Director: Raoul Walsh

FantasyComedyMusic

A whimsical comedy follows Athanael, an angelic trumpeter, who must blow the Last Trumpet at precisely midnight. Two fallen angels and a jewel thief plot to steal the trumpet, throwing Athanael into a series of comical misadventures. He must navigate the challenges of the mortal realm while striving to fulfill his divine task and protect the sacred instrument from falling into the wrong hands.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Horn Blows at Midnight yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film unfolds in a dreamlike state, capturing the essence of a fantastical realm that intertwines with reality. This period is characterized by a blend of comedic antics and surreal adventures, where characters navigate both their earthly desires and celestial missions. The notion of an impending apocalypse adds an urgent undertone to the otherwise light-hearted narrative.

Location

Hotel Universe

The Hotel Universe serves as a whimsical backdrop for Athanael's encounters, blurring the lines between the heavenly and the earthly. Known for its ethereal design and peculiar inhabitants, this hotel acts as a central hub for remarkable events in the plot. Its unique atmosphere becomes a catalyst for both magical and comedic moments throughout the story.

🏨 Hotel 🌌 Otherworldly

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Main Characters – The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945)

Meet the key characters of The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Athanael (Jack Benny)

Athanael is a charming and somewhat naïve third trumpet player who finds himself tasked with a heavenly mission. His character embodies the struggle between fulfilling a divine obligation and navigating earthly relationships. Throughout the film, he oscillates between determination and confusion, ultimately finding clarity in love.

🎺 Musician 😇 Angelic 💖 Romantic

Elizabeth (Alexis Smith)

Elizabeth is a supportive and caring figure in Athanael's life, working at the department of small planet management. Her role is pivotal as she attempts to persuade her superior to allow Athanael to fulfill his celestial mission. Her love for Athanael adds depth to her character, showing her willingness to confront challenges for the sake of her affections.

💖 Lover 🎭 Supportive 🌌 Dreamer

Archie Dexter (Reginald Gardiner)

Archie Dexter is a charming antagonist, leading a heist alongside Fran. His character showcases cunning and manipulation as he navigates the chaotic situation in the Hotel Universe. After a failed escapade, he quickly shifts blame, revealing his self-serving nature.

🕵️‍♂️ Conman 👫 Charismatic 🎭 Deceptive

Osidro (Allyn Joslyn)

Osidro is one of the fallen angels recognized by Athanael, embodying mischief and chaos. His character injects a playful antagonism into the narrative, collaborating with others to disrupt Athanael’s mission. His actions highlight the theme of discord in a world of divine intentions.

😈 Mischief 👻 Fallen Angel 🎉 Chaotic

Doremus (John Alexander)

Doremus is another fallen angel who adds to the comedic turbulence of the plot. Together with Osidro, he seeks to undermine Athanael, showcasing their mischievous nature. His role emphasizes the friction between divine responsibilities and the allure of earthly chaos.

😇 Mischief 👻 Fallen Angel 🤝 Collaborator

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Major Themes – The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945)

Explore the central themes of The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎺 Divine Duty

The theme of divine duty looms large as Athanael grapples with his obligation to destroy Earth. His enchanting trumpet playing serves as both a weapon and a conduit for expressing his mission. As the story progresses, the tension between his earthly affections and celestial responsibilities creates a captivating moral dilemma.

💔 Love and Sacrifice

Athanael's strong affection for Elizabeth highlights the theme of love and sacrifice. As he faces the task of obliterating Earth, his emotional bond with her serves as a counterbalance to his divine mission. This struggle ultimately emphasizes the complexities of personal desires versus predetermined destinies.

😈 Mischief and Chaos

The antics of fallen angels and the heist orchestrated by Dexter and Fran introduce elements of mischief and chaos. Their attempts to thwart Athanael's mission create comedic tension and keep the plot engaging. The interplay of chaos in the Hotel Universe illustrates the unpredictability of fate in the face of divine plans.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with Divinely Bungled Missions like The Horn Blows at Midnight

A celestial being navigates the chaos of the mortal world with comical results.If you enjoyed the angelic antics of 'The Horn Blows at Midnight,' discover more movies where heavenly beings struggle with earthly chaos. These comedies feature divine intervention gone awry, celestial mix-ups, and light-hearted adventures that treat the cosmos with a playful wink.

whimsicalplayfulfantasticalcomicallight-heartedheavenlyfarcical

Narrative Summary

Stories typically involve a celestial agent—an angel, a god, or a supernatural entity—given a solemn task on Earth. The narrative humor derives from the character's naivete and the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the human realm, leading to a series of escalating, comical mishaps that challenge the mission's success.

Why These Movies?

These films share a whimsical tone, a fast-paced succession of comedic events, and a core premise that juxtaposes the divine with the mundane. They are grouped by their light-hearted approach to spiritual themes and their focus on the humor found in cosmic plans meeting earthly reality.

Screwball Fantasy Adventure Movies like The Horn Blows at Midnight

A fast-paced romp through a fantastical world filled with mistaken identities and chaotic chases.Fans of the zany, dreamlike adventure in 'The Horn Blows at Midnight' will love this collection of screwball fantasy films. Discover similar movies that combine magical settings, fast-paced chases, and comical misunderstandings for a delightfully chaotic and breezy viewing experience.

screwballfast-paceddreamlikewhimsicalfarcicalplayfulbreezymisadventures

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a hapless but well-meaning protagonist thrown into an absurd situation, often involving a prized object or a crucial deadline. The plot unfolds through a rapid series of chases, deceptions, and mistaken identities, with a supporting cast of eccentric characters creating constant, light-hearted obstacles.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films based on their unique blend of genre—fantasy's sense of wonder with screwball comedy's pacing and structure. They share a low-stakes, high-energy feel, a whimsical tone, and a focus on comedic escapades over deep drama, creating a uniquely entertaining vibe.

Unlock the Full Story of The Horn Blows at Midnight

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Horn Blows at Midnight in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Horn Blows at Midnight is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Horn Blows at Midnight Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Horn Blows at Midnight, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Horn Blows at Midnight Summary

The Horn Blows at Midnight Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Horn Blows at Midnight with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Horn Blows at Midnight Timeline

The Horn Blows at Midnight Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Horn Blows at Midnight that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Horn Blows at Midnight Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Horn Blows at Midnight

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Horn Blows at Midnight: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Horn Blows at Midnight

Similar Movies to The Horn Blows at Midnight

Discover movies like The Horn Blows at Midnight that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.