Cary Grant
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Film Study · 1932 · Drama • Romance • Pre-Code Drama

Sinners in the Sun

An early Cary Grant performance revealing a future leading man gaining confidence with every film.

Archival photograph associated with Sinners in the Sun

Editorial ratings

Cary Grant
Story
Direction
Cinematography
Entertainment
Historical importance
The Story

A New York fashion model finds herself being pursued by a poor but honest garage mechanic and a rich philanderer.

Cary Grant plays Ridgeway, under the direction of Alexander Hall, released in 1932.

Introduction

A mature Paramount Pre-Code romance set against the Great Depression.

The Story

Working-class lovers confront wealth, ambition, and difficult emotional choices.

Production & Behind the Scenes

Alexander Hall directs Clive Arden's novel with elegant Paramount production values.

Cary Grant's Performance

Grant displays growing confidence, subtlety, and sophistication as Ridgeway.

Alexander Hall's Direction & Themes

Themes of class, ambition, integrity, and modern relationships.

Historical Context

A Depression-era Pre-Code drama reflecting contemporary American concerns.

Legacy & Influence

One of the clearest records of Grant's rapid evolution before stardom.

Production & release

  1. Early 1932

    Production begins.

  2. May 27, 1932

    Film released.

  3. Late 1932

    Grant's confidence continues to grow.

  4. 1933

    Breakthrough with She Done Him Wrong.

The Record

Full billed cast of Sinners in the Sun (1932).

Players in billing order, with the characters they play.

  • Carole Lombardas Doris Blake
  • Chester Morrisas Jimmie Martin
  • Adrienne Amesas Claire Kinkaid
  • Cary Grantas Ridgeway
  • Alison Skipworthas Mrs. Blake
  • Reginald Barlowas Mr. Blake
  • Walter Byronas Eric Nelson
  • Zita Moultonas Florence Nelson
  • Luke Cosgraveas Grandfather Blake
  • Ida Lewisas Grandmother Blake
  • Russ Clarkas Fred Blake
  • Frances Moffettas Mrs. Fred Blake
  • Pierre de Rameyas Louis
  • Veda Bucklandas Emma
  • Rita La Royas Lil
  • Maude Turner Gordonas Elderly dowager
  • Anderson Lawleras Gigolo
  • Florence Lawrence

Crew.

  • DirectorAlexander Hall
  • Director of PhotographyRay June
  • Original Music ComposerRudolph G. Kopp
  • Original Music ComposerJohn Leipold
  • ScreenplayWaldemar Young
  • WriterSamuel Hoffenstein
  • WriterVincent Lawrence
Shared Company

Players in common.

1939 · John Cromwell
In Name Only

Also featuring Carole Lombard.

1933 · Stuart Walker
The Eagle and the Hawk

Also featuring Carole Lombard.

The Correspondence

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Other studies.

1953 · Sidney Sheldon
Dream Wife

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr headline an elegant romantic comedy exploring whether the perfect partner exists—or whether perfection itself is an illusion.

1957 · Stanley Donen
Kiss Them for Me

A thoughtful wartime satire blending romance, comedy, and commentary on celebrity culture.

1963 · Stanley Donen
Charade

Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn create one of cinema's most elegant romantic mysteries—a thrilling game of deception, danger, and unexpected love.