The Horn Blows at Midnight (DVD)

Forever one of comedy's reigning kings, the immortal Jack Benny trades in his royal scepter for a heavenly trumpet in this brilliant in this 1945 comedic fantasy about an innocent angel faced with the dubious task of destroying an all-to-indulgent Earth. Since persecution and hatred have soared out of control, Heaven's "front office" sends Athanael (Benny), a trumpet player in Heaven's orchestra, to Earth to play the first four notes of the "Judgment Day Overture." The notes must be played precisely at midnight from a hotel rooftop to initiate Earth's annihilation, but things become hilariously botched when Athanael is faced with the temptation of money and parties, saving a woman from suicide and having to protect his trumpet from "falling angels," gangsters and a group of young roughnecks, all intent on thwarting his mission. Directed by Raoul Walsh (The Thief of Bagdad), the film features an excellent supporting cast, including Guy Kibbee, Alexis Smith, Reginald Gardner and a young Robert Blake. Is the Earth destroyed? You'll find out when The Horn Blows at Midnight!

• comedy