The Horn Blows at Midnight 1945

Fantasy

Comedy

Music

Runtime

78 min

Language

English

Directed by

Raoul Walsh

Made by

Warner Bros.

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

As the delightful tunes from Paradise Coffee’s sponsored radio show filled the atmosphere, Athanael (Jack Benny), the orchestra’s third trumpet player, found himself enchanted by the melodies and gradually slipped into a dreamy state. In this ethereal space, he imagined himself as an angelic trumpeter, joyfully playing in the heavenly orchestra, filling the celestial realm with his harmonious serenades. His visions were graced by the affectionate praise of his beautiful girlfriend, Elizabeth (Alexis Smith), who was employed at the department of small planet management. It was she who entrusted him with a divine mission: to obliterate planet 339001 (Earth) along with its troublesome residents. Athanael’s trumpet playing began to carry an ominous weight as he prepared to sound the “Last Trumpet” at the stroke of midnight, heralding the world’s ending.

However, destiny had a different script in mind. Upon his arrival in the mortal realm through the elevator of the Hotel Universe, Athanael unintentionally thwarted a bold heist led by the charming guest Archie Dexter (Reginald Gardiner) and his alluring partner Fran Blackstone (Dolores Moran). Following the chaotic event, Dexter ended their partnership, placing the blame on Fran for their failed escapade. At the same time, Elizabeth sought to convince her superior to reassign Athanael to his sacred duty, which ultimately yielded results.

As the plot thickened, two fallen angels—Osidro (Allyn Joslyn) and Doremus (John Alexander)—recognized Athanael and aimed to obstruct his mission. The angel began to find it increasingly challenging to manage his trumpet amidst the tumultuous happenings of this unfamiliar world. These mischievous entities teamed up with Dexter to pilfer the instrument, capitalizing on Fran’s gratitude for her prior rescue by Athanael to further their devious agenda.

With tensions escalating, Elizabeth and her manager sprang into action, collaborating to pursue the thieves on an exhilarating chase through the Hotel Universe. In the midst of the frantic pursuit, Athanael unexpectedly fell from the rooftop, only to awaken from his surreal dream to the sweet resonance of reality softly echoing in his consciousness.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Enchanted by Music

As the enchanting tunes from Paradise Coffee's radio show filled the air, Athanael, the orchestra's third trumpet player, found himself drifted away into a dreamy reverie. In this dream, he envisioned himself as a celestial trumpeter, delighting the heavenly realm with his serene melodies.

A Divine Mission

Within his dreamlike state, Athanael received a profound mission from his beloved girlfriend, Elizabeth. She instructed him to annihilate planet 339001, also known as Earth, along with its troublesome inhabitants, which seemed both perplexing and impactful for Athanael.

Preparing for the Final Act

As the midnight hour approached, Athanael began to feel the heavy burden of his mission. His trumpet playing took on a foreboding note as he prepared to sound the 'Last Trumpet,' marking the end of the world as he knew it.

Midnight

Arrival in the Mortal Realm

Athanael arrived in the mortal realm through the elevator of the Hotel Universe, an unexpected change from his dreamy existence. However, his entrance was marked by chaos as he inadvertently interrupted a daring heist led by the charming Archie Dexter.

Hotel Universe

The Failed Heist

During the attempted heist, Athanael's unintentional interference caused chaos, leading Archie to abandon his partnership with Fran Blackstone. Blaming Fran for the collapsed plan, Archie disbanded their collaboration amidst tensions and frustrations.

Hotel Universe

Elizabeth's Determination

As chaos unfolded, Elizabeth took charge by appealing to her superior for Athanael's reassignment to complete his divine mission. Her determination eventually bore fruit, indicating her commitment to supporting Athanael in fulfilling his duties.

Fallen Angels Appear

The plot thickened with the entrance of two fallen angels, Osidro and Doremus, who recognized Athanael's significance and sought to hinder his mission. Their motivation was rooted in a desire to disrupt his efforts and complicate the already chaotic events.

Thieves Plot to Steal

Teaming up with Dexter, the fallen angels devised a plan to steal Athanael's trumpet. Taking advantage of Fran's gratitude for being saved, they entangled her into their scheme, complicating the narrative further.

The Thrilling Chase

In an electrifying turn of events, Elizabeth and her manager pursued the thieves across the Hotel Universe. Their determination to retrieve Athanael’s trumpet and ensure his mission was fulfilled propelled the story into a whirlwind of excitement.

Hotel Universe

The Unexpected Fall

Amidst the thrilling chase, Athanael experienced a misstep and unexpectedly fell from the rooftop. This overlooked detail led to a pivotal moment in the story, ultimately paving the way for a profound awakening.

Hotel Universe

Awakening from the Dream

After his fall, Athanael found himself awakening from his surreal dream back to reality. The sweet, soft echoes of real life gradually filled his senses, signifying a shift in his understanding and experience.

Characters

Explore all characters from The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

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

Setting

Learn where and when The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

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

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Horn Blows at Midnight (1945). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🎺

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.

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