Enter Madame! is a 1934 American romantic comedy film directed by Elliott Nugent, starring Elissa Landi and Cary Grant. The movie portrays the turbulent relationship between an opera prima donna and a wealthy fan as her career frequently interferes with their marriage. Despite well-plotted storytelling and winning supporting performances, the film falls short due to the lack of chemistry between the central characters, played by Landi and Grant, which hinders the audience's engagement with their relationship.
Plot
The plot of Enter Madame! revolves around Gerald Fitzgerald, a devoted opera fan who falls in love with the talented opera singer Lisa Della Robbia. They get married, but Gerald soon realizes that being second to Lisa's career is challenging. The film explores a love triangle between Gerald, Lisa, and Flora, leading to divorce and new relationships. Despite the interesting scenario, the movie falls shortin delivering Enough humor to engage the audience fully, with the performances of Cary Grant and Elissa Landi being the film's saving grace.
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Cast
- Elissa Landi as Lisa Della Robbia
- Cary Grant as Gerald Fitzgerald
- Lynne Overman as Mr. Farnum
- Sharon Lynn as Flora Preston
- Albert Conti as Count Roberto di Gavini
- Luis Alberni as Tony
- Adrienne Dore as Mimi
- George Davis as stage Manager
- Charles Judels as Doctor
- Paul Porcasi as Headwaiter
- George Humbert as Headwaiter
- Nina Koshetz as Lisa Della Robbia (singing voice)
Director: Elliott Nugent
Theme
The theme of Enter Madame! revolves around the challenges of balancing love and career, particularly in the context of a romantic relationship where one partner's professional success overshadows the other's desires. The film delves into the complexities of relationships, highlighting how personal ambitions and external pressures can strain love and marriage. Additionally, it explores themes of sacrifice, compromise, and the pursuit of happiness amidst conflicting priorities.
Reception
The reception of Enter Madame! was mixed, with critics acknowledging the strong performances of the cast, particularly Cary Grant, Elissa Landi, and Sharon Lynn. However, the film was criticized for not delivering enough humor to engage the audience fully. Despite being considered slightly better than some of Cary Grant's previous films, like "Kiss and Make-Up" and "Ladies Should Listen," Enter Madame! fell short in creating a truly memorable cinematic experience due to a lack of originality and insufficient comedic elements.
Setting
The film Enter Madame! is set in a theatrical environment, focusing on the world of opera and the challenges faced by the characters within this setting. The story unfolds against the backdrop of performances, rehearsals, and backstage drama, providing a glimpse into the glamorous yet demanding life of opera singers and their relationships. Additionally, the film explores social settings such as high society gatherings and romantic locales, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The visual styles and techniques in Enter Madame! (1935 film) are characterized by a blend of classic Hollywood cinematography and storytelling. The film utilizes traditional visual elements to convey the romantic comedy genre effectively. The cinematography, handled by Theodor Sparkuhl, captures the essence of the theatrical setting where the story unfolds, emphasizing the glamour and drama of the opera world. Additionally, the film's visual style reflects the era it was made in, showcasing the elegance and sophistication typical of 1930s cinema.
Moreover, the use of lighting, framing, and set design in Enter Madame! contributes to creating a visually engaging experience for the audience. The film's visual techniques aim to enhance the narrative, highlight character emotions, and immerse viewers in the romantic and comedic aspects of the story. Overall, the visual styles and techniques employed in Enter Madame! play a significant role in bringing the characters to life and setting the tone for this classic romantic comedy.
Trivia & Fun Fact
- Director: The film was directed by Elliott Nugent.
- Play Adaptation: Enter Madame! is based on a three-act play of the same name that originally ran from August 16, 1920, to April 1922 at the Garrick Theatre in New York City, directed by Brock Pemberton.
- Remake: The 1935 movie was a remake of a 1922 silent film that starred Clara Kimball Young and Louise Dresser.
- Cast: The film stars Elissa Landi as Lisa Della Robbia and Cary Grant as Gerald Fitzgerald, along with other notable actors like Lynne Overman, Sharon Lynn, and more.
- Production Credits: Benjamin Glazer produced the film, with screenplay credits to Gladys Lehman and Charles Brackett, among others.
- Costume Design: Travis Banton was responsible for the costume design in the film.
- Photography: The cinematography was handled by Theodor Sparkuhl and William C. Mellor.
- Art Director: Ernst Fegté served as the art director for the film.
- Musical Direction: Nathaniel Finston was in charge of musical direction.
