Radiance and Reverie Film Series: That Uncertain Feeling (1941)

Saturday, January 10 | 2:00 p.m. | GlasSalon

Doors Open and Book Signing at 1:00 p.m.

From the gallery to the silver screen, the jewels in Radiance and Reverie: Jewels from the Collection of Neil Lane shine in a new light. Each film in this series showcases at least one dazzling jewel from the exhibition. Explore Radiance and Reverie in the galleries, then settle in for a screening that celebrates the art of adornment, drama, and Hollywood style.

That Uncertain Feeling (1941) is a sophisticated romantic comedy about a Manhattan socialite. Jill Baker (Merle Oberon) has an incurable case of the hiccups for which she reluctantly agrees to see a psychologist, Dr. Vengard (Alan Mowbray). During her first visit she realizes her hiccups may be related to nerves about her husband, Larry (Melvyn Douglas). Upon her second visit to the psychologist, she runs into a famous pianist (Burgess Meredith), and her doubts about her marriage are intensified when he starts courting her. Larry carries out a plan to renew his wife's affections.

Release date: April 20, 1941
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Running time: 1h 24m

Meet author Mayukh Sen before the screening for an exclusive book signing of his new biography, Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s First South Asian Star. Published in 2025, Sen’s book is the first full biography of Oberon in over forty years, exploring her groundbreaking career, her impact on Hollywood, and her connection to jewelry—an interest also highlighted in his essay, “Diamonds Were Their Career,” in the catalogue for Radiance and Reverie. Following the signing and before the screening, Sen will introduce the film and share insights from his research on Oberon and other iconic actresses. Copies of Love, Queenie will be available for purchase at the TMA Store and online through event registration: https://store.toledomuseum.org/default/love-queenie-merle-oberon-hollywoods-first-south-asian-star.html.

More About the Author and Speaker:

© Samantha Mellina

Mayukh Sen is the author of Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star. Published by W. W. Norton & Company in March 2025, Love, Queenie—named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2025—is the first biography of Oberon in over forty years. Sen teaches film and television journalism at New York University and lives in Brooklyn. He is also the James Beard Award–winning author of Taste Makers (2021).

This screening complements the exhibition Radiance and Reverie: Jewels from the Collection of Neil Lane. Visiting the exhibition prior to the screening is recommended. A curator-led morning tour will be available; capacity for the tour is limited and requires separate registration. Please register for the tour here.

A special catalogue accompanies this landmark exhibition of Hollywood jeweler Neil Lane’s fabled collection, featuring iconic works by Belperron, Cartier, Boucheron, Paul Flato, Tiffany & Co., and more. Catalogues may be ordered online during registration and picked up in advance or on the day of the event. For questions related to catalogue purchases, please call 419 254 5766.

This event is free and open to all.

Registration is encouraged but not required; nonregistered guests are welcome and will be admitted as capacity allows. Admittance will be given with preference to registered guests. Registering for our events allows us to best plan for our audience size.

Radiance and Reverie: Jewels from the Collection of Neil Lane is a ticketed exhibition. Tickets can be ordered during registration for this event. Exhibition tickets are always free for TMA members. Learn more about membership here.

If you need accommodation, assistance, or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event, please contact Access Initiatives at [email protected]. Please note that while we endeavor to provide everyone with a positive visitor experience, last-minute requests may not be accommodated; we ask for requests to be made, at minimum, three days prior to the event.

Lead image: Merle Oberon wears a gold-and-citrine bow bracelet by Paul Flato in a publicity still with Burgess Meredith and Melvyn Douglas for That Uncertain Feeling (1941). Photo: Everett Collection