Wedding Present
A witty newsroom romance capturing Cary Grant just before his breakthrough to superstardom.
Editorial ratings
- Cary Grant
- Story
- Direction
- Cinematography
- Entertainment
- Historical importance
Charlie Mason and Rusty Fleming are star reporters on a Chicago tabloid who are romantically involved as well. Although skilled in ferreting out great stories, they often behave in an unprofessional and immature manner. After their shenanigans cause their frustrated city editor to resign, the publisher promotes Charlie to the job, a decision based on the premise that only a slacker would be able crack down on other shirkers and underachievers. His pomposity soon alienates most of his co-workers and causes Rusty to move to New York. Charlie resigns and along with gangster friend Smiles Benson tries to win Rusty back before she marries a stuffy society author.
Cary Grant plays Charlie Mason, under the direction of Richard Wallace, released in 1936.
Featured quote
“An essential transitional performance showing the complete emergence of Cary Grant's sophisticated comic persona.”
Introduction
A sophisticated newsroom comedy that showcases Grant's rapidly maturing screen persona.
The Story
Two competitive reporters struggle to balance ambition, marriage, and personal happiness. Charlie Mason and Rusty Fleming discover that partnership matters more than professional rivalry.
Production & Behind the Scenes
Richard Wallace emphasizes natural performances while Paramount provides polished production values.
Cary Grant's Performance
Grant's effortless wit, timing, and charm are nearly fully formed.
Richard Wallace's Direction & Themes
Themes of partnership, communication, and balancing career with love.
Historical Context
Part of the golden age of newsroom comedies and produced just before Grant's breakthrough.
Legacy & Influence
A valuable bridge between Grant's early studio work and his legendary classics.
Gallery
Production & release
Early 1936
Development begins.
Development begins.
Summer 1936
Principal photography.
Principal photography.
October 23, 1936
Release.
Release.
1937
The Awful Truth launches Grant to stardom.
The Awful Truth launches Grant to stardom.
Today
Recognized as a key transitional film.
Recognized as a key transitional film.
Cast.
Joan Bennett as Monica 'Rusty' Fleming
Cary Grant as Charlie Mason
George Bancroft as Pete Stagg
Conrad Nagel as Roger Dodacker
Gene Lockhart as Archduke Gustav Ernest
William Demarest as 'Smiles' Benson
Inez Courtney as Mary Lawson
Full billed cast of Wedding Present (1936).
Players in billing order, with the characters they play.
- Joan Bennettas Monica 'Rusty' Fleming
- Cary Grantas Charlie Mason
- George Bancroftas Pete Stagg
- Conrad Nagelas Roger Dodacker
- Gene Lockhartas Archduke Gustav Ernest
- William Demarestas 'Smiles' Benson
- Inez Courtneyas Mary Lawson
- Edward Brophyas Squinty
- Purnell Prattas Howard Van Dorn
- Lois Wilsonas Laura Dodacker
- George Davisas Cafe Waiter (uncredited)
- Mary Forbesas Mrs. Dodacker
- Douglas Woodas Willett
- George Meekeras Gordon Blaker
- John Henry Allenas Jonathan
- Clarence Wilsonas Simmons
- Charles Middletonas Turnbull
- George Offerman, Jr.
- Charles Arnt
- Eddie Borden
- Harry C. Bradley
- Jack Cheatham
- Heinie Conklin
- Frank Darien
- George Davis
- Hal K. Dawson
- Billy Engle
- Estelle Etterre
- Eddie Fetherston
- Allen Fox
- Chuck Hamilton
- Ray Hanson
- Harry Hayden
- Elwyn Hoffman
- Otto Hoffman
- Walter Long
- Charles McAvoy
- Ralph McCullough
- Charles Meakin
- Torben Meyer
Crew.
- Art DirectionA. Earl Hedrick
- Art DirectionHans Dreier
- Costume DesignIrene
- DirectorRichard Wallace
- Director of PhotographyLeon Shamroy
- EditorRobert Bischoff
- ProducerB.P. Schulberg
- ScreenplayJoseph Anthony
- StoryPaul Gallico
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