The Curtain Rises (1938)

Plot Summary

1938, France, Paris, at the Superior Conservatory of Dramatic Art ("Conservatoire Supérieur d'Art Dramatique"). The first-year entrance exams are in full swing. Many applicants, few accepted. Isabelle (Janine Darcey) is one of the few chosen. She joins former students from the second and third years, including François (Claude Dauphin) and Cécilia (Odette Joyeux). They attend the drama class run by Professor Lambertin (Louis Jouvet). The young people, passionate and eager to become comedians, clash in tumultuous love affairs, because by dint of acting, they imagine that life is a farce. François, for example, is in love with Isabelle, who also loves him, but is pursued by Cecilia, his former mistress... "Put art in your life and life in your art!"

Full Cast & Characters

Louis Jouvet

M. Lambertin, professeur au Conservatoire

Claude Dauphin

François Polti

Janine Darcey

Isabelle Didier

Odette Joyeux

Cécilia Prieur

Bernard Blier

Pescani, un élève du Conservatoire

Robert Pizani

Jérôme

Madeleine Lambert

Mme Élisabeth Prieur, mère de Cécilia

Roger Blin

Dominique, le gardien du château de la famille de Cécilia

Mady Made

Denise

Babita Soren

Norah Storm

André Brunot

Fernand Grenaison, l'oncle d'Isabelle

Madeleine Geoffroy

Mme Fernande Grenaison, épouse de Fernand

Director & Crew

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