Madrugada

My favorite Portuguese word is madrugada, which means in English, "middle of the night."  In other words, it covers the time from midnight to dawn.  It's interesting that it is one word in one language and four in another.

Middle of the Night is a 1959 film drama starring Fredric March and Kim Novak.  It was directed by Delbert Mann and written by Paddy Chayefsky, the same team that brought us the Best Picture of 1955, Marty.

The story of Middle of the Night involves a May-December romance between a 56 year-old widower named Jerry (March) and a 24 year-old named Betty (Novak).  She works as a receptionist at clothing manufacturer, owned by Jerry, in New York City.

On one opportune day, Jerry and Betty are discussing business privately.  However, she is distraught about her loveless marriage to her ex-husband and turns to Jerry as a sort of father figure, which she doesn't have in her life.  As Jerry's daughter is about the same age as Betty, he tries to console her.

After this encounter, Jerry starts to have non fatherly feelings towards Betty.  She is a very attractive woman and he wants to be  considered desirable after many years of being alone.

Jerry eventually works up the nerve to invite her to dinner, which she accepts.  It is interesting that the subject of sexual harassment is never mentioned in the film.  It did not become relevant in American society until the 1970s.

Jerry does not pressure Betty using his superior position to gain an advantage.  Likewise, Betty does not feel any pressure.  It is a very innocent boy-girl romance, albeit involving a middle-aged man and a young woman.

Their relationship develops like on a roller coaster, going up and down.  They are very influenced by the people in their lives, especially the women.  

Betty's mother calls Jerry "a dirty old man."  Jerry's sister calls Betty "a fortune hunter."

Kim Novak has described this movie as the best performance of her career.  In 11 days, let's all wish her a happy 92nd birthday.