One Night in the Tropics

| 1940

Directed by: A. Edward Sutherland

Main Plot

"One Night in the Tropics" is a comedic film that revolves around a convoluted insurance policy and a series of romantic entanglements. The story kicks off when an insurance salesman devises a novel policy called "love insurance" to guarantee a friend's impending marriage. However, complications arise when the friend begins to have second thoughts about the wedding. This leads to a series of comedic misadventures as the salesman and his associates try to ensure the marriage goes ahead as planned. The film is set against a tropical backdrop, adding an exotic flair to the unfolding chaos. The narrative is driven by misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and the antics of well-meaning but bumbling characters. Themes of love, friendship, and the unpredictability of relationships are explored through the humorous situations that arise from the insurance scheme. As the plot progresses, the characters find themselves in increasingly absurd situations, leading to a series of comedic set pieces. The film culminates in a resolution that ties together the various threads of romance and comedy, ultimately delivering a lighthearted take on the complexities of love and commitment.

Characters

  • Allan Jones plays Jim Moore, a charming insurance salesman who becomes entangled in a comedic love triangle, driving the plot's romantic and humorous twists.
  • Nancy Kelly plays Cynthia Merrick, a wealthy heiress whose engagement sparks comedic chaos, involving insurance policies and romantic entanglements, driving the film's humorous plot.
  • Robert Cummings plays Jim Moore, a young insurance salesman who becomes entangled in a comedic love triangle, driving the film's romantic and humorous plot twists.

Ending Explained

In the final act of the film, the central characters find themselves in a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. The plot culminates at a tropical resort where the main characters, Jim and Steve, are trying to resolve their romantic dilemmas. Jim is engaged to Cynthia, but complications arise when his friend Steve, who is secretly in love with Cynthia, tries to help him with his relationship issues. The climax occurs during a chaotic wedding scene where mistaken identities and miscommunications lead to humorous situations. Abbott and Costello, playing supporting roles, contribute to the chaos with their signature comedic routines, adding to the confusion and laughter. As the misunderstandings unravel, true feelings are revealed. Steve's genuine affection for Cynthia becomes apparent, leading to a heartfelt confession. Cynthia, realizing her own feelings, decides to be with Steve instead of Jim. Meanwhile, Jim finds solace with another character, ensuring a happy ending for all involved. The resolution underscores themes of friendship, love, and honesty, as the characters learn to communicate openly and follow their hearts. The film concludes with a sense of harmony and restored relationships, leaving the audience with a light-hearted and satisfying conclusion.

A. Edward Sutherland Comedy Musical Romance Allan Jones Nancy Kelly Robert Cummings