Most classic movie buffs have heard of the 1934 Frank Capra classic "It Happened One Night."
How neither one of its stars (Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert) was thrilled to be in it; how it swept the five major Oscar categories; and how Claudette Colbert had to be hauled off a train on the way to vacation to accept her award at the ceremony.
What most probably DON'T know is that it was based on a short story by Samuel Hopkins Adams, featured in the August 1933 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.
The artist for "Night Bus" is one of my favorite illustrators, James Montgomery Flagg, best known for his 1917 depiction of Uncle Sam on a military recruitment poster.
Here are the first few pages of the story, showcasing Flagg's vibrantly vintage illustrations.
More pop culture and vintage goodies at my main website.
I've shown "It Happened One Night" to people who "don't like old movies", and they've always loved it. Thanks for sharing the original story!
ReplyDeleteFascinating story and terrific illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the movie several times, but all this background is news to me.
Thanks Dave.
JG
Hi! Do you have the complete 'Night Bus' short story from 'Cosmopolitan'? I am very interested in it. It's hard to find.
ReplyDeleteHi Federico - Yes, I bought the original magazine on ebay.
ReplyDeleteDo you happen to have the scans for the entire short story? I can't find it anywhere!
ReplyDeleteUnknown - Yes. I purchased the magazine and scanned it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm only seeing scans through page 47 but the text at the bottom reads "continued on page 138". Would you be willing to scan those pages as well if you still have the magazine? It's so difficult to find, and I want to use it for a class where we watch It Happened One Night.
ReplyDeleteYou can find the magazine on ebay; I currently see two listings that are selling it.
ReplyDeleteSo basically you have the rest of the story but refuse to publish it lol
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