Big Brown Eyes
A fast-moving blend of mystery, romance, and comedy showcasing Cary Grant's emerging star power.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
Sassy manicurist Eve Fallon is recruited as an even more brassy reporter and she helps police detective boyfriend Danny Barr break a jewel theft ring and solve the murder of a baby.
Cary Grant plays Detective Sergeant Danny Barr, under the direction of Raoul Walsh, released in 1936.
Featured quote
“The film captures the final stage of Cary Grant's transformation into Hollywood's definitive leading man.”
Introduction
Detective Danny Barr investigates murders while balancing romance with Eve Fallon in a lively crime comedy.
The Story
Danny and Eve uncover corruption in the cosmetics industry while strengthening their partnership.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Raoul Walsh's brisk direction and Paramount craftsmanship highlight Grant's growing confidence.
Cary Grant's Performance
Danny Barr reveals the fully emerging charm, wit, and confidence of the future star.
Raoul Walsh's Direction & Themes
Fast-paced storytelling emphasizes partnership, integrity, and justice.
Historical Context
A polished Depression-era detective comedy made just before Grant's breakthrough.
Legacy & Influence
An important bridge between Grant's early work and his legendary run beginning with The Awful Truth.
Gallery
Production & release
Early 1936
Production begins.
Spring 1936
Principal photography completed.
May 29, 1936
Released.
1937
Grant breaks through with The Awful Truth.
Today
Appreciated as a key transitional film.
Cast.
Cary Grant as Detective Sergeant Danny Barr
Joan Bennett as Eve Fallon
Walter Pidgeon as Richard Morey
Lloyd Nolan as Russ Cortig
Alan Baxter as Carey Butler
Marjorie Gateson as Mrs. Cole
Joe Sawyer as Jack Sully
Full billed cast of Big Brown Eyes (1936).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Cary Grantas Detective Sergeant Danny Barr
- Joan Bennettas Eve Fallon
- Walter Pidgeonas Richard Morey
- Lloyd Nolanas Russ Cortig
- Alan Baxteras Carey Butler
- Marjorie Gatesonas Mrs. Cole
- Joe Sawyeras Jack Sully
- Isabel Jewellas Bessie Blair
- Douglas Fowleyas Benny Battle
- Henry Brandonas Don Butler
- Edwin Maxwellas Newspaper Editor
- Doris Canfieldas Myrtle
- Dolores Caseyas Cashier
- Guy Usheras Judge Davis (Uncredited)
- Ralph Brooksas Man Exiting Elevator (Uncredited)
- Helen Brownas Bereaved Mother (Uncredited)
- Allen Connoras Husband (Uncredited)
- Eddie Conradas Joe, Italian Barber (Uncredited)
- Jack Daleyas Mooney (Uncredited)
- Sam Flintas Martin (Uncredited)
- Bud Gearyas Gangster (Uncredited)
- Bert Hanlonas Farrell (Uncredited)
- Eddie Hinesas Shoeshine Man (Uncredited)
- Ed Jonesas Chauffeur (Uncredited)
- Jack Kennedyas Mahoney (Uncredited)
- George MacQuarrieas Chief of Detectives (Uncredited)
- Charles Martinas Red (Uncredited)
- Francis McDonaldas Malley (Uncredited)
- Lee Phelpsas Lee (Uncredited)
- Fred 'Snowflake' Toonesas Chalky (Uncredited)
- Homer Dickensonas Police Chief (Uncredited)
- Kernan Crippsas Police Telephone Operator (Uncredited)
- Chuck Hamiltonas Police Desk Sergeant (Uncredited)
- Fred Andersonas Elevator Operator (Uncredited)
- Ray Cordellas Elevator Operator (Uncredited)
- Don Brodieas Customer (Uncredited)
- Raymond Hargraveas Customer (Uncredited)
- William Arnoldas Customer (Uncredited)
- Ethel Mandellas Maid (Uncredited)
- Geraldine Leslieas Maid (Uncredited)
Crew.
- Art DirectionAlexander Toluboff
- Costume DesignHelen Taylor
- DirectorRaoul Walsh
- Director of PhotographyGeorge T. Clemens
- EditorRobert L. Simpson
- Original Music ComposerGerard Carbonara
- ProducerWalter Wanger
- ScreenplayRaoul Walsh
- ScreenplayBert Hanlon
- StoryJames Edward Grant
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