Enter Madame
An elegant comedy of love, marriage, and opera that showcases Cary Grant's growing sophistication as a romantic leading man.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
Man marries opera singer, winds up taking back seat to her career.
Cary Grant plays Gerald Fitzgerald, under the direction of Elliott Nugent, released in 1935.
Featured quote
“An essential transitional performance revealing Cary Grant's mature, sophisticated, and emotionally intelligent screen persona.”
Introduction
Grant stars opposite Elissa Landi in a sophisticated adaptation of the Broadway play exploring love, ambition, and emotional maturity.
The Story
Opera diva Lisa Della Robbia and her husband Gerald Fitzgerald struggle to preserve their marriage amid fame and professional demands. A thoughtful examination of balancing career, celebrity, and marriage.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Directed by Elliott Nugent with elegant Paramount production values and a restrained, performance-centered approach.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant delivers one of his earliest fully mature romantic performances, emphasizing subtlety, intelligence, and natural charm.
Elliott Nugent's Direction & Themes
Themes include marriage, partnership, identity, fame, sacrifice, and balancing public success with private happiness.
Historical Context
Produced during Hollywood's transition into the Production Code era and just before Grant's major breakthrough.
Legacy & Influence
An important transitional film documenting Grant's evolution into Hollywood's definitive sophisticated leading man.
Gallery
Production & release
Early 1935
Production begins.
Production begins.
Summer 1935
Principal photography completed.
Principal photography completed.
September 27, 1935
Film released.
Film released.
1937
Grant becomes an international star with The Awful Truth.
Grant becomes an international star with The Awful Truth.
Today
Recognized as an important pre-breakthrough Cary Grant film.
Recognized as an important pre-breakthrough Cary Grant film.
Cast.
Elissa Landi as Lisa Della Robbia
Cary Grant as Gerald Fitzgerald
Lynne Overman as Mr. Farnum
Sharon Lynn as Flora Preston (as Sharon Lynne)
Michelette Burani as Bice
Paul Porcasi as Archimede
Cecilia Parker as Aline Chalmers
Full billed cast of Enter Madame (1935).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Elissa Landias Lisa Della Robbia
- Cary Grantas Gerald Fitzgerald
- Lynne Overmanas Mr. Farnum
- Sharon Lynnas Flora Preston (as Sharon Lynne)
- Michelette Buranias Bice
- Paul Porcasias Archimede
- Adrian Rosleyas Doctor
- Cecilia Parkeras Aline Chalmers
- Frank Albertsonas John Fitzgerald
- Wilfred Harias Tamamoto
- Torben Meyeras Carlson
- Harold Berquistas Bjorgenson
- Diana Lewisas Operator
- Richard Bonellias Scorpia in 'La Tosca'
- Ann Sheridanas Flora's Shipboard Friend (as Clara Lou Sheridan)
Crew.
- Art DirectionHans Dreier
- Art DirectionErnst Fegté
- Costume DesignTravis Banton
- DirectorElliott Nugent
- Director of PhotographyWilliam C. Mellor
- Director of PhotographyTheodor Sparkuhl
- Original Music ComposerHeinz Roemheld
- ProducerBenjamin Glazer
- WriterCharles Brackett
- WriterGladys Lehman
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