Cary Grant
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Film Study · 1933 · Fantasy / Adventure / Family

Alice in Wonderland

A lavish Paramount fantasy featuring one of Cary Grant's earliest—and least recognizable—screen appearances as the Mock Turtle.

Archival photograph associated with Alice in Wonderland

Editorial ratings

Cary Grant
Story
Direction
Cinematography
Entertainment
Historical importance
The Story

In Victorian England, a bored young girl dreams that she has entered a fantasy world called Wonderland, populated by even more fantastic characters.

Cary Grant plays Mock Turtle, under the direction of Norman Z. McLeod, released in 1933.

Featured quote

“An early glimpse of Grant's professionalism and dedication before the emergence of his legendary screen persona.”

Introduction

A prestige literary adaptation capturing Cary Grant before he became a leading man.

The Story

Alice journeys through Wonderland, meeting surreal characters including Cary Grant's Mock Turtle.

Production & Behind the Scenes

Paramount invested heavily in costumes, makeup, sets, and an all-star ensemble.

Cary Grant's Performance

Grant demonstrates professionalism and physical acting despite being almost completely concealed.

Norman Z. McLeod's Direction & Themes

Explores imagination, identity, absurdity, childhood, and fantasy with remarkable visual fidelity.

Historical Context

One of Hollywood's earliest large-scale fantasy productions and an important milestone in Grant's formative years.

Legacy & Influence

Today valued as both a pioneering fantasy film and an important chapter in Cary Grant's artistic development.

Production & release

  1. 1932

    Cary Grant signs with Paramount.

    Cary Grant signs with Paramount.

  2. 1933

    Production begins.

    Production begins.

  3. December 22, 1933

    Film released.

    Film released.

  4. 1937

    Grant becomes an international star.

    Grant becomes an international star.

  5. Today

    Celebrated as an important fantasy classic and early Cary Grant curiosity.

    Celebrated as an important fantasy classic and early Cary Grant curiosity.

On Screen

Cast.

  • Charlotte Henry as Alice

    Charlotte Henry as Alice

  • Richard Arlen as Cheshire Cat

    Richard Arlen as Cheshire Cat

  • Roscoe Ates as Fish

    Roscoe Ates as Fish

  • William Austin as Gryphon

    William Austin as Gryphon

  • Gary Cooper as White Knight

    Gary Cooper as White Knight

  • Leon Errol as Uncle Gilbert

    Leon Errol as Uncle Gilbert

  • Louise Fazenda as White Queen

    Louise Fazenda as White Queen

  • W.C. Fields as Humpty-Dumpty

    W.C. Fields as Humpty-Dumpty

  • Alec B. Francis as King of Hearts

    Alec B. Francis as King of Hearts

  • Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher as Rabbit

    Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher as Rabbit

  • Cary Grant as Mock Turtle

    Cary Grant as Mock Turtle

  • Lillian Harmer as Cook

    Lillian Harmer as Cook

The Record

Full billed cast of Alice in Wonderland (1933).

Players in billing order, with the characters they play.

  • Charlotte Henryas Alice
  • Richard Arlenas Cheshire Cat
  • Roscoe Atesas Fish
  • William Austinas Gryphon
  • Gary Cooperas White Knight
  • Leon Errolas Uncle Gilbert
  • Louise Fazendaas White Queen
  • W.C. Fieldsas Humpty-Dumpty
  • Alec B. Francisas King of Hearts
  • Richard 'Skeets' Gallagheras Rabbit
  • Cary Grantas Mock Turtle
  • Lillian Harmeras Cook
  • Raymond Hattonas Mouse
  • Sterling Hollowayas Frog
  • Edward Everett Hortonas Mad Hatter
  • Roscoe Karnsas Tweedledee
  • Baby LeRoyas Joker
  • Mae Marshas Sheep
  • Polly Moranas Dodo Bird
  • Jack Oakieas Tweedledum
  • Edna May Oliveras Red Queen
  • May Robsonas Queen Of Hearts
  • Charles Rugglesas March Hare
  • Jackie Searlas Dormouse
  • Alison Skipworthas Duchess
  • Ned Sparksas Caterpillar
  • Ford Sterlingas White King
  • Billy Bartyas White Pawn / The Baby (uncredited)
  • Billy Bevanas Two of Spades (uncredited)
  • Harry Ekezianas First Executioner (uncredited)
  • Ethel Griffiesas Miss Simpson (uncredited)
  • Colin Kennyas The Clock (uncredited)
  • Patsy O'Byrneas Aunt (uncredited)

Crew.

  • Art DirectionWilliam Cameron Menzies
  • DirectorNorman Z. McLeod
  • Director of PhotographyBert Glennon
  • Director of PhotographyHenry Sharp
  • EditorEllsworth Hoagland
  • Original Music ComposerDimitri Tiomkin
  • ScreenplayWilliam Cameron Menzies
  • ScreenplayJoseph L. Mankiewicz
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