Cary Grant
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Film Study · 1934 · Romantic Comedy • Screwball Comedy • Pre-Code Comedy

Thirty Day Princess

One of Cary Grant's earliest romantic comedies and a major step toward becoming Hollywood's definitive leading man.

Archival photograph associated with Thirty Day Princess

Editorial ratings

Cary Grant
Story
Direction
Cinematography
Entertainment
Historical importance
The Story

A European princess arrives in New York City to secure a much-needed loan for her country. She contracts the mumps, and an actress who looks exactly like her is hired to impersonate her.

Cary Grant plays Porter Madison III, under the direction of Marion Gering; George Somnes, released in 1934.

Introduction

A sophisticated Paramount comedy released during the closing months of the Pre-Code era.

The Story

Nancy Lane impersonates a princess while reporter Porter Madison III uncovers the truth.

Production & Behind the Scenes

Directed by Marion Gering and George Somnes with elegant Paramount production values.

Cary Grant's Performance

Grant displays effortless charm, comic timing, and romantic confidence.

Direction & Themes

Identity, romance, public image, deception, and self-discovery.

Historical Context

One of Paramount's final major Pre-Code romantic comedies.

Legacy & Influence

A landmark in Grant's evolution into Hollywood's premier romantic leading man.

Production & release

  1. Late 1933

    Production Begins

    Production begins.

  2. Early 1934

    Production Completes

    George Somnes completes production.

  3. March 23, 1934

    Theatrical Release

    Release.

  4. Summer 1934

    Production Code Enforcement

    Production Code enforcement begins.

On Screen

Cast.

  • Sylvia Sidney as Nancy Lane / Princess Catterina

    Sylvia Sidney as Nancy Lane / Princess Catterina

  • Cary Grant as Porter Madison III

    Cary Grant as Porter Madison III

  • Edward Arnold as Richard M. Gresham

    Edward Arnold as Richard M. Gresham

  • Henry Stephenson as King Anatol XII

    Henry Stephenson as King Anatol XII

  • Vince Barnett as Count Nicholeus

    Vince Barnett as Count Nicholeus

  • Edgar Norton as Baron Passeria

    Edgar Norton as Baron Passeria

  • Ray Walker as Dan Kirk

    Ray Walker as Dan Kirk

The Record

Full billed cast of Thirty Day Princess (1934).

Players in billing order, with the characters they play.

  • Sylvia Sidneyas Nancy Lane / Princess Catterina
  • Cary Grantas Porter Madison III
  • Edward Arnoldas Richard M. Gresham
  • Henry Stephensonas King Anatol XII
  • Vince Barnettas Count Nicholeus
  • Edgar Nortonas Baron Passeria
  • Ray Walkeras Dan Kirk
  • Lucien Littlefieldas Parker
  • Robert McWadeas Managing Editor
  • George Baxteras Donald Spottswood
  • Marguerite Namaraas Lady in Waiting
  • William Arnoldas City Editor (uncredited)
  • William Augustinas Detective #2 (uncredited)
  • Allan Cavanas Court Officer (uncredited)
  • Jean Chatburnas Blonde (uncredited)
  • Oliver Crossas Court Officer (uncredited)
  • Edgar Dearingas Tim - Policeman at Mrs. Schmidt's (uncredited)
  • Sayre Dearingas Ceremonial Guest (uncredited)
  • Adolph Faylaueras Reception Guest (uncredited)
  • Jean Fowleras Guest (uncredited)
  • Dick Gordonas Ceremonial Guest (uncredited)
  • Sam Harrisas Court Officer (uncredited)
  • Carey Harrisonas Court Officer (uncredited)
  • Jack Holmesas Radioman at Boat (uncredited)
  • Robert Homansas Detective #1 (uncredited)
  • Thomas Monkas Gresham's Butler (uncredited)
  • Edmund Mortimeras Court Officer (uncredited)
  • Dick Rushas Police Sergeant (uncredited)
  • Loretta Russellas Guest (uncredited)
  • Scott Seatonas Guest (uncredited)
  • Phillips Smalleyas Reception Guest (uncredited)
  • Frederick Sullivanas Doctor at Gresham's (uncredited)
  • Bruce Warrenas Spottswood's Friend (uncredited)
  • Eleanor Wesselhoeftas Mrs. Schmidt (uncredited)

Crew.

  • Art DirectionWiard B. Ihnen
  • Art DirectionHans Dreier
  • Costume DesignHoward Greer
  • DirectorMarion Gering
  • Director of PhotographyLeon Shamroy
  • EditorJane Loring
  • Original Music ComposerJohn Leipold
  • Original Music ComposerHoward Jackson
  • ProducerB.P. Schulberg
  • ScreenplayFrank Partos
  • ScreenplayPreston Sturges
  • StoryClarence Budington Kelland
Shared Company

Players in common.

1937 · Rowland V. Lee
The Toast of New York

Also featuring Edward Arnold.

1932 · Dorothy Arzner
Merrily We Go to Hell

Also featuring Sylvia Sidney.

1933 · Wesley Ruggles
I'm No Angel

Also featuring Edward Arnold.

1937 · Robert Riskin
When You're in Love

Also featuring Henry Stephenson.

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Continue

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.