The film Ladies Should Listen (1934) is a romantic comedy directed by Frank Tuttle, starring Cary Grant, Frances Drake, and Edward Everett Horton. The plot revolves around a switchboard operator named Anna Mirelle who falls in love with businessman Julian De Lussac, whom she knows only through phone conversations. When Anna discovers a scheme to swindle Julian out of a mineral rights concession, she devises a plan to save him and expose the con artists. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Grant's performance while others found him miscast. Overall, it is an underrated Cary Grant movie that combines romance and comedy in a Parisian setting.
Plot
The plot of the film Ladies Should Listen centers around a switchboard operator named Anna Mirelle, who becomes infatuated with a wealthy businessman named Julian De Lussac. Despite never meeting in person, Anna falls in love with Julian through their telephone conversations. When Anna overhears a plot to swindle Julian out of a valuable mineral rights concession, she takes it upon herself to save him from the con artists. Anna's intervention leads to a series of comedic and romantic misunderstandings, ultimately culminating in a resolution that exposes the scheme and brings Anna and Julian together romantically. The film blends elements of romance, comedy, and intrigue against the backdrop of a Parisian setting, creating an engaging and light-hearted storyline.
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Cast
- Cary Grant as Julian De Lussac
- Frances Drake as Anna
- Edward Everett Horton as Butler
- Nydia Westman as Adele
- Rafael Corio as Ramon Cintos
- Clara Lou Sheridan as Adele
Genre: Comedy
Director: Frank Tuttle
Theme
The theme of the film Ladies Should Listen revolves around romance, comedy, and intrigue. The storyline explores themes of love, mistaken identities, and the power of communication. The central characters, Anna and Julian, navigate a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations that ultimately lead to a resolution where true feelings are revealed. Additionally, the film touches on themes of loyalty, deception, and the lengths one would go to protect someone they care about. Overall, "Ladies Should Listen" combines elements of romance and humor against the backdrop of a Parisian setting, creating a light-hearted and entertaining theme.
Reception
The reception of the film Ladies Should Listen was mixed. While some critics praised Cary Grant's performance and found the movie to be funny and entertaining, others had reservations. The film is noted for being an underrated Cary Grant movie that combines elements of romance and comedy in a Parisian setting. Overall, it received a varied response from audiences and critics, with some appreciating its humor and charm, while others may have found certain aspects less appealing.
Setting
The film Ladies Should Listen is set against the backdrop of a Parisian setting, adding a romantic and charming atmosphere to the storyline. The setting plays a significant role in enhancing the themes of romance and comedy portrayed in the film. The Parisian setting contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the movie, providing a visually captivating backdrop for the characters' interactions and the unfolding of the plot. The allure of Paris as a backdrop adds depth and richness to the narrative, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication that complements the romantic and comedic elements of the story.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The film Ladies Should Listen is noted for its visual style and techniques that contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. The sources highlight the importance of visual elements in the movie, such as art deco dandy styles and tailored fashion choices. Additionally, the filmmakers' focus on visual style as a primary concern underscores the significance of creating a visually captivating experience for the audience. The incorporation of specific visual styles and techniques in the film enhances its artistic quality and adds to the charm of the Parisian setting where the story unfolds.
Trivia & Fun Fact
- Cary Grant was born as Archibald Alexander Leach on January 18, 1904, in Bristol, England.
- He passed away on November 29, 1986, in Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 82.
- Grant was married multiple times to Barbara Harris (married in 1981), Dyan Cannon (1965–1968), Betsy Drake (1949–1962), Barbara Hutton (1942–1945), and Virginia Cherrill (1934–1935).
- Some of the notable movies Cary Grant acted in include "North by Northwest" (1959), "An Affair to Remember" (1957), "Notorious" (1946), "The Philadelphia Story" (1940), and "Bringing Up Baby" (1938).
- His real name was Archibald Alexander Leach, but he changed it to Cary Grant when he signed a contract with Paramount Studios in Hollywood in 1931.
- Cary Grant's journey into acting began when he joined a group of comedians called 'The Bob Pender stage Group' and later transitioned to Broadway roles before Moving to Hollywood.
- He discovered that his mother was alive and living in a mental hospital during his rise to fame. Grant bought her a home and visited her regularly.
- In 1981, Cary Grant received the Kennedy Center Honors and won an Academy Award in 1970 along with an Honorary Award from the Academy of motion picture Arts and sciences.
