The Curtain Rises Poster

The Curtain Rises 1938

★ 7.821 votes99 min📅 1938-10-06

""I was seventeen, I'm not anymore because you are and seventeen is not for everyone at the same time!""

In the artistic heart of Paris, 1938, a group of passionate young actors gather at the Superior Conservatory of Dramatic Art, where dreams of stardom collide with the harsh realities of artistic ambition.

Director: Marc Allégret

Cast

Louis Jouvet
Louis Jouvet
M. Lambertin, professeur au Conservatoire
Claude Dauphin
Claude Dauphin
François Polti
Janine Darcey
Janine Darcey
Isabelle Didier
Odette Joyeux
Odette Joyeux
Cécilia Prieur
Bernard Blier
Bernard Blier
Pescani, un élève du Conservatoire
Robert Pizani
Robert Pizani
Jérôme
Madeleine Lambert
Mme Élisabeth Prieur, mère de Cécilia
Roger Blin
Roger Blin
Dominique, le gardien du château de la famille de Cécilia
Mady Made
Denise
Babita Soren
Norah Storm

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Curtain Rises (1938) about?

The film follows a group of aspiring actors as they compete for acceptance into Paris's elite drama school, where their dreams of stardom are tested by rigorous exams and strict professors. Under the guidance of legendary teacher Lambertin, their passion and rivalries unfold in a bittersweet portrait of youth and ambition.

Who directed The Curtain Rises?

The Curtain Rises was directed by Marc Allégret, a French filmmaker known for his keen insights into human relationships and societal themes in early 20th-century cinema.

Who stars in The Curtain Rises?

The film features Louis Jouvet as the formidable Professor Lambertin, alongside standout performances by Claude Dauphin, Janine Darcey, Odette Joyeux, Bernard Blier, and Robert Pizani.

Is The Curtain Rises (1938) worth watching?

Though not widely rated, The Curtain Rises offers a charming and nostalgic look at the struggles of young artists, blending comedy and drama with wit and heart. Its focus on ambition and rivalry makes it a compelling watch for fans of classic French cinema.

How long is The Curtain Rises?

The Curtain Rises (1938) runs for 99 minutes, offering a concise yet rich cinematic experience.

About The Curtain Rises (1938) — A Glimpse into Parisian Drama School Amidst Artistic Ambition

In the artistic heart of Paris, 1938, a group of passionate young actors gather at the Superior Conservatory of Dramatic Art, where dreams of stardom collide with the harsh realities of artistic ambition.

Under the watchful eye of the stern yet inspiring Professor Lambertin, played with magnetic intensity by Louis Jouvet, these aspiring comedians—including the determined Isabelle (Janine Darcey), the charming François (Claude Dauphin), and the spirited Cécilia (Odette Joyeux)—navigate the cutthroat world of drama school. As they prepare for the rigorous entrance exams, The Curtain Rises (1938) weaves a captivating tale of youthful exuberance, artistic rivalry, and the bittersweet journey of chasing one's passion against the odds. With sharp dialogue and a keen eye for character, director Marc Allégret crafts a vibrant snapshot of pre-war France's cultural scene, blending comedy and drama into a nostalgic yet timeless story.