One Exciting Night (also known as You Can't Do Without Love) is a 1944 British musical comedy film directed by Walter Forde and starring Vera Lynn, Donald Stewart and Mary Clare. The screenplay was by Peter Fraser and Howard Irving Young and concerns a female singer who becomes involved with a man who is the target of a robbery and murder plot.
Vera Baker is an aspiring singer desperate for an opportunity to impress producer Michael Thorne. Her chance arrives at a benefit concert that is also the scene of the attempted murder of Thorne by gangsters trying to steal a priceless Rembrandt. Vera somehow eventually thwarts the villains, and along the way manages to wow the audience with her singing.
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The film gives Vera Lynn many opportunities for singing, which she does better than acting. There are a few thrills and plenty of fun, and admirers of Richard Murdoch will delight in seeing him as a loquacious illusionist. Although an 'A' film it is eminently suited for family entertainment."
Kine Weekly wrote: "The plot is neither tidy nor original, but on the other hand it leaves nothing out. Furthermore, its hectic medley of slapstick, song, cabaret and thick ear, culminating with a spectacular 'safety last' finale, throws into effective and showmanlike relief the engaging versatility of the 'Forces Favourite.' In other words, it's good Vera Lynn."
Leslie Halliwell wrote "Very ho-hum stuff for a very popular but histrionically untried star."
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928âÂÂ1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Not unpleasant mixture of thrills, songs and fun."
TV Guide called the film a "decent musical farce."