Kiss and Make-Up
A glamorous romantic comedy that finds Cary Grant growing into the sophisticated leading man Hollywood had been waiting for.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
Dr. Maurice Lamar is a noted plastic surgeon who makes his rich clients beautiful, and also makes them. He makes Eve Caron, the wife of Marcel Caron, so satisfied with his skilled hands that she leaves Marcel and marries Maurice. They go on a Mediterranean honeymoon, where he soon finds the effects of his own beauty regulations are more than he can handle. He bids adieu to his new bride, and wings it back to Paris with the intention of giving up his practice and becoming a scientific researcher... after winning back the love of his simple, unadorned secretary, Anne.
Cary Grant plays Dr. Maurice Lamar, under the direction of Harlan Thompson, released in 1934.
Introduction
Released in 1934, the film combines European glamour, romance, satire, and musical revue while documenting Cary Grant's rapid artistic evolution.
The Story
Celebrated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Maurice Lamar discovers that fame and beauty create unexpected complications in both his practice and his marriage. Adapted from Docteur Ox by Pierre Veber and Henri de Gorsse.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Produced by Paramount during the transition from the Pre-Code era to Production Code enforcement, the film reflects the studio's signature sophistication.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant delivers one of his most confident early leading-man performances, relying on understated charm, timing, and intelligence.
Direction & Themes
Harlan Thompson emphasizes elegance over farce while exploring appearance versus reality, celebrity, trust, and emotional authenticity.
Historical Context
A transitional Production Code film reflecting Hollywood's fascination with glamour, modern medicine, and cosmopolitan romance.
Legacy & Influence
An overlooked but important bridge between Grant's early work and the masterpieces that soon followed.
Gallery
Production & release
Early 1934
Development
Paramount develops the adaptation of Docteur Ox.
Summer 1934
Principal photography
Production takes place at Paramount's Hollywood studios.
October 1934
Release
The film opens to positive notices.
Late 1934
Critical reception
Reviewers single out Grant's poise and charm.
Modern day
Historical appreciation
Increasingly recognized as a key transitional performance.
Cast.
Cary Grant as Dr. Maurice Lamar
Genevieve Tobin as Eve Caron
Helen Mack as Anne
Edward Everett Horton as Marcel Caron
Lucien Littlefield as Max Pascal
Mona Maris as Countess Rita
Helen Cohan as Radio announcer
Full billed cast of Kiss and Make-Up (1934).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Cary Grantas Dr. Maurice Lamar
- Genevieve Tobinas Eve Caron
- Helen Mackas Anne
- Edward Everett Hortonas Marcel Caron
- Lucien Littlefieldas Max Pascal
- Mona Marisas Countess Rita
- Helen Cohanas Radio announcer
- Katherine Williamsas Vilma
- Lucille Lundas Magda
- Rafael Alcaydeas Rolando
- Doris Lloydas Mme. Durand
- Sam Ashas Plumber
- Helena Phillips Evansas Landlady (as Helena Phillips)
- Toby Wingas Consuelo of Claghorne
- Henry Armettaas Banquet Chairman
- Ann Sheridanas Beautician (as Clara Lou Sheridan)
- Hazel Hayesas Salon worker
- Jean Carmenas Maharajah's Wife
Crew.
- Art DirectionErnst Fegté
- Art DirectionHans Dreier
- Costume DesignTravis Banton
- DirectorHarlan Thompson
- Director of PhotographyLeon Shamroy
- Original Music ComposerTom Satterfield
- Original Music ComposerRalph Rainger
- Original Music ComposerJohn Leipold
- ProducerB.P. Schulberg
- ScreenplayHarlan Thompson
- ScreenplayGeorge Marion Jr.
- StoryIstván Békeffy
Players in common.
Also featuring Lucien Littlefield.
Also featuring Edward Everett Horton.
Also featuring Edward Everett Horton.
Also featuring Edward Everett Horton.
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