Kiss and Make-Up is a 1934 film directed by Harlan Thompson, featuring Cary Grant, Genevieve Tobin, Helen Mack, and Edward Everett Horton. The movie revolves around Dr. Maurice Lamar, a plastic surgeon in France, who falls for one of his makeovers, leading to unexpected consequences. Additionally, the film includes musical elements with three songs, and Cary Grant showcases his singing talent. Despite being considered a slight comedy, the movie offers a glimpse of a young Cary Grant's performance, portraying a handsome and charming character. Overall, Kiss and Make-Up provides a lighthearted viewing experience, especially for fans of classic cinema.
Plot
In the film Kiss and Make-Up (1934), directed by Harlan Thompson, the plot revolves around Dr. Maurice Lamar, a plastic surgeon in France. Dr. Lamar, played by Grant, is a popular plastic surgeon who falls for one of his makeovers, leading her to leave her husband and marry Lamar. However, Lamar soon realizes that he has created a monster. Meanwhile, his secretary Anne is in love with him but feels unappreciated as he takes her for granted. The movie delves into the romantic entanglements and comedic situations that arise from these relationships, offering a lighthearted viewing experience with musical elements and Cary Grant showcasing his singing talent.
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Cast
- Cary Grant as Dr. Maurice Lamar
- Genevieve Tobin as Mrs. Marshall
- Helen Mack as Anne
- Edward Everett Horto as Mr. Marshall
Director: Harlan Thompson
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 13, 1934
Theme
The theme of the film Kiss and Make-Up (1934) revolves around beauty, self-image, and the societal pressures surrounding physical appearance. The movie delves into the concept of beauty as a commodity, with Dr. Maurice Lamar, played by Cary Grant, portraying a plastic surgeon who believes he can cure ugliness. The film explores the idea of beauty standards, the impact of physical appearance on relationships, and the complexities of self-worth tied to external beauty. Additionally, the movie touches on themes of control, manipulation, and the consequences of prioritizing superficial beauty over genuine connections. Overall, Kiss and Make-Up delves into the intricate dynamics between beauty, self-perception, and societal expectations, offering a satirical take on the beauty industry and the quest for physical perfection.
Reception
The reception of the film Kiss and Make-Up (1934) has been mixed. While some reviews acknowledge it as a lesser Cary Grant film, it is not considered a disaster. The movie is described as a silly comedy with a virtually plotless storyline centered around cosmetics and troubled relationships. Despite its shortcomings, the film has been noted as a worthy rediscovery, especially when paired with another Grant comedy on a double bill. The comedic elements, including key scenes like a woman leaving the beauty salon completely bald and a chase climax reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy's style, have been highlighted for providing laughs. Additionally, the movie features two songs, "Cornbeaf and Cabbage - I Love You" and "Love Divided By Two," adding to its entertainment value.
Production Challenge
The production of the film Kiss and Make-Up (1934) faced some challenges, as highlighted in various reviews. The movie, directed by Harlan Thompson, was described as a very silly comedy with a virtually plotless storyline centered around cosmetics and troubled relationships. Despite featuring Cary Grant in the lead role, the film was considered beneath his talents at the time. Additionally, there were mentions of Carole Lombard being initially considered for a role in the film but turning it down, with reviewers suggesting that her casting might not have worked due to her beauty contrasting with the character's role. Despite these challenges, the film managed to provide comedic elements, including key scenes like a woman leaving a beauty salon completely bald and a chase climax reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy's style, which added to its entertainment value. Overall, while facing some production challenges and being perceived as a slight comedy, Kiss and Make-Up still offered viewers a glimpse of a young Cary Grant's performance and showcased his singing talent in a musical setting.
Settings
The film Kiss and Make-Up (1934) is set in France, where the main character, Dr. Maurice Lamar, works as a plastic surgeon. The storyline unfolds in a beauty salon and various locations in France, capturing the essence of the beauty industry and the societal pressures surrounding physical appearance. The settings play a significant role in highlighting the themes of beauty, self-image, and the complexities of relationships tied to external beauty standards. Additionally, the film's setting adds to the comedic elements and romantic entanglements portrayed throughout the storyline, creating a backdrop that enhances the narrative of the movie.
Visual styles & Techniques
The film Kiss and Make-Up (1934) incorporates various visual styles and techniques to enhance its storytelling. One of the sources mentions that Cary Grant, who plays Dr. Maurice Lamar in the movie, does his own singing in the musical, showcasing his singing talent. Additionally, the film features comedic elements and musical elements with songs like "Cornbeaf and Cabbage - I Love You" and "Love Divided By Two ." The visual style of the film captures the essence of a beauty clinic in Paris, where Dr. Lamar works as a plastic surgeon, and where many beautiful clients fall in love with him. The settings and cinematography likely contribute to creating a vibrant and engaging visual experience for viewers, complementing the comedic and romantic elements of the storyline.
Trivia
- Cary Grant's role in Kiss and Make-Up (1934) as a cosmetic surgeon is one of the roles he played in his early career, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
- The film features comedic elements and musical elements with songs like "Cornbeaf and Cabbage - I Love You" and "Love Divided By Two," adding to its entertainment value.
- Despite being considered a slight comedy, the movie offers a glimpse of a young Cary Grant's performance and showcases his singing talent, with Grant doing his own singing in the musical.
Fun fact
One fun fact about the film Kiss and Make-Up (1934) is that ALL of the WAMPAS Baby stars of 1934 were cast in roles in the movie. This inclusion of the WAMPAS Baby stars adds an interesting historical and industry-related element to the film, showcasing emerging talent from that era.
