This Is the Night
The film that introduced Cary Grant to the world.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
When Stephen, the husband of Gerald’s mistress, Claire, discovers a pair of tickets for their planned trip to Venice, Gerald must invent a wife to cover their tracks. He is then forced to hire a woman to play “his wife” when Stephen insists he and Claire accompany them to Venice.
Cary Grant plays Stephen Mathewson, under the direction of Frank Tuttle, released in 1932.
Introduction
A sophisticated Paramount Pre-Code comedy that marks Grant's cinematic debut.
The Story
Claire Mathew's romantic adventures on the French Riviera intersect with Olympic athlete Gerald Cummings.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Frank Tuttle directs an adaptation of Naughty Cinderella while Paramount launches Cary Grant.
Cary Grant's Performance
An embryonic but unmistakable glimpse of the future screen legend.
Frank Tuttle's Direction & Themes
Themes of reinvention, modern romance, and cosmopolitan sophistication.
Historical Context
Produced during the creative freedom of Pre-Code Hollywood.
Legacy & Influence
Historically significant as the first chapter in Cary Grant's film career.
Gallery
Production & release
Late 1931
Signing
Archibald Leach signs with Paramount.
Early 1932
A New Name
Screen name Cary Grant adopted.
February 6, 1932
Premiere
Film premieres.
1932–1933
Rise
Grant rapidly rises through Paramount productions.
Cast.
Lili Damita as Germaine
Charles Ruggles as Bunny West
Roland Young as Gerald Gray
Thelma Todd as Claire Mathewson
Cary Grant as Stephen Mathewson
Irving Bacon as Sparks
Claire Dodd as Chou-Chou (uncredited)
Full billed cast of This Is the Night (1932).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Lili Damitaas Germaine
- Charles Rugglesas Bunny West
- Roland Youngas Gerald Gray
- Thelma Toddas Claire Mathewson
- Cary Grantas Stephen Mathewson
- Irving Baconas Sparks
- Claire Doddas Chou-Chou (uncredited)
- Davison Clarkas Studio Official (uncredited)
- Gino Corradoas Manager of Neopolitan Hotel (uncredited)
- Alex Meleshas Porter (uncredited)
- Donald Novisas Singing Gondolier (uncredited)
- Tiny Sandfordas Porter (uncredited)
- Rolfe Sedanas Boulevardier (uncredited)
- Harry Semelsas Man in the Manhole (uncredited)
Crew.
- DirectorFrank Tuttle
- Director of PhotographyVictor Milner
- Original Music ComposerJohn Leipold
- Original Music ComposerRalph Rainger
- Original Music ComposerW. Franke Harling
- WriterBenjamin Glazer
- WriterGeorge Marion Jr.
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