THE RAGE OF PARIS

US, 1938, 78 minutes, Black and white.
Danielle Darrieux, Douglas Fairbanks Jnr., Louis Hayward, Mischa Auer, Helen Broderick, Harry Davenport, Samuel S. Hinds, Mary Martin.
Directed by Henry Koster.

The Rage of Paris is a piece of late '30s screwball frivolity. It is reminiscent of so many films of the time, produced by Universal Studios. It was directed by, Henry Koster (who directed many Deanna Durbin vehicles at this time).

The film is a star vehicle for the French star Danielle Darrieux. However, very young, she creates no more impression than any other of the rising stars at the time. However, she was to go on to a very distinguished career, especially in France. Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. and Louis Hayward are adept at this kind of film, as is Mischa Auer. A film of its period.

1. Romantic and screwball comedy of the '30s? In its time? Now?

2. Universal Studios production, black and white photography, New York settings? Musical score? The countryside?

3. The title, the focus on Nicole, the response of the men, the double-crosses, the exposes, the happy endings?

4. Danielle Darrieux as Nicole: wanting the job, the modelling, wearing the drapes, taking the wrong address, meeting Jim, the comedy of the photography and his reaction? Her hurrying away, with Mike and Gloria, Her meeting Bill's parents, the farce of the possible expose, her tactics, her deceits? Being kidnapped by Jim, in the country, in love with him? Her return to the city, Bill thinking he was rid of her, Jim taking over and marrying?

5. Jim and Bill, friends, wealthy, New York society, in love, engagement, Bill and his innocence, Jim and his efforts to expose Nicole, taking her away, in the countryside, in love?

6. Gloria and Mike, their friendship, the hotel, the aim of the restaurant. the setting up of Nicole, engineering the deceits? Gloria and her friend ship? Mike and his continued reappearance, trying to prevent Jim from telling the truth? His deal with Bill? Shrewd resolution?

7. The picture of New York society in the '30s, the Duncans? Restaurants, fashions, companies, advertising campaigns?

8. Screwball comedy, romantic comedy? '30s style?