The Zero Hour is a 1939 American drama film directed by Sidney Salkow.

[1] A kindly theatrical producer mentors a beautiful young girl and helps her to become a big Broadway star.

In time the two fall in love and decide to wed. En route to a justice of the peace, tragedy strikes the happy couple and the would-be groom ends up permanently paralyzed.

All things seem to be in place for the adoption, but a widower shows up to claim the child.

When the husband finds out, he selflessly executes his final option to ensure his wife's future happiness.