Curtain Up 1952
Step behind the velvet curtain of small-town 1950s Britain with *Curtain Up* (1952), a sparkling British comedy directed by Ralph Smart that turns backstage chaos into side-splitting gold.
Director: Ralph Smart
Cast
Robert Morley
W.H. 'Harry' Derwent Blacker
Margaret Rutherford
Catherine Beckwith / Jeremy St. Claire
Kay Kendall
Sandra Beverley
Michael Medwin
Jerry Winterton
Liam Gaffney
Norwood Beverley
Olive Sloane
Maud Baron
Lloyd Lamble
Jackson
Charlotte Mitchell
Daphne Ray
Charles Lamb
George
Constance Lorne
Sarah Stebbins
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curtain Up (1952) about?
Set in the 1950s, *Curtain Up* follows a struggling repertory theatre troupe as they rehearse a disastrous play written by a meddling aunt. Between botched lines and behind-the-scenes squabbles, the cast must navigate both the play's dreadful dialogue and their own tangled personal lives—all under the watchful eye of the playwright herself.
Who directed Curtain Up?
Ralph Smart directed the film, bringing his sharp eye for character comedy to a story about artistic ambition and family interference.
Who stars in Curtain Up?
The film features comedy icons Robert Morley, Margaret Rutherford, Kay Kendall, and Michael Medwin, alongside a supporting cast that delivers laugh-out-loud performances.
Is Curtain Up (1952) worth watching?
With its lightweight 1950s British comedy charm and standout performances from Morley and Rutherford, *Curtain Up* offers a cozy, witty escape—perfect for fans of vintage theatre satire and gentle farce. Though not a blockbuster, its breezy 81-minute runtime makes it a pleasant evening's entertainment.
How long is Curtain Up?
Curtain Up runs for 81 minutes—just under an hour and a half of classic British comedic escapism.
About Curtain Up (1952) — A Witty British Comedy About Backstage Mayhem
Step behind the velvet curtain of small-town 1950s Britain with *Curtain Up* (1952), a sparkling British comedy directed by Ralph Smart that turns backstage chaos into side-splitting gold.
The story follows a repertory company gathering on a bleak Monday morning to rehearse a dreadful new play written by the aunt of their exasperated producer. When the sharp-tongued author strides in, the cast finds themselves tangled in both the play's hilariously stilted dialogue and their own very real domestic dramas. With Margaret Rutherford and Robert Morley at their comedic best, this breezy 81-minute romp finds humor in artistic pretension, family interference, and the absurdity of live theatre itself.
