The Wedding Night

While working on a novel in his country home in Connecticut, married writer Tony Barrett develops romantic feelings for Manya Novak, the daughter of a neighboring farmer. Manya is unhappily engaged to Frederik Sobieski. After a snowstorm, Tony and Manya get trapped together in his house overnight. The next day, Manya's father insists that her wedding to Frederik take place in spite of Manya's misgivings. Drunkenness and jealousy result in tragedy at the wedding reception that night.

Directed by King Vidor, The Wedding Night leans on a strong ensemble — Gary Cooper, Anna Sten, Ralph Bellamy — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1935.