Cary Grant
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Film Study · 1932 · Musical Short / Comedy / Romance

Singapore Sue

A lively musical short capturing Cary Grant at the very beginning of his Hollywood journey.

Archival photograph associated with Singapore Sue

Editorial ratings

Cary Grant
Story
Direction
Cinematography
Entertainment
Historical importance
The Story

Four sailors enter a Singapore dive, meet a Chinese girl from Brooklyn, and find there's more to her than meets the eye. Two songs.

Cary Grant plays First Sailor, under the direction of Casey Robinson, released in 1932.

Featured quote

“An important historical artifact documenting Grant's formative Hollywood year.”

Introduction

A two-reel musical short produced for theatrical programs during the early sound era.

The Story

Romance, music, comedy, and shipboard misunderstandings unfold around entertainer Singapore Sue.

Production & Behind the Scenes

Educational Pictures created the short while Grant continued developing through diverse early roles.

Cary Grant's Performance

Grant demonstrates relaxed confidence, natural movement, and understated charisma.

Casey Robinson's Direction & Themes

Escapism, music, travel, romance, and brisk storytelling define the production.

Historical Context

Represents both the Pre-Code era and the once-common theatrical short subject.

Legacy & Influence

Now valued primarily for documenting Cary Grant's remarkable artistic evolution.

Production & release

  1. Early 1932

    Production begins at Educational Pictures.

  2. July 31, 1932

    Released theatrically.

  3. Late 1932

    Grant continues rising through Paramount.

  4. Mid-1930s

    Short subjects decline as double features take over.

  5. Today

    Preserved as an important early Cary Grant artifact.

On Screen

Cast.

  • Anna Chang as Singapore Sue

    Anna Chang as Singapore Sue

  • Joe Wong as Singer / Gigolo

    Joe Wong as Singer / Gigolo

  • Cary Grant as First Sailor

    Cary Grant as First Sailor

  • Millard Mitchell as Second Sailor

    Millard Mitchell as Second Sailor

The Record

Full billed cast of Singapore Sue (1932).

Players in billing order, with the characters they play.

Crew.

  • DirectorCasey Robinson
  • WriterCasey Robinson
The Correspondence

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