The Curtain Rises

The story

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!"

Cast & crew

Louis JouvetM. Lambertin, professeur au Conservatoire

Claude DauphinFrançois Polti

Janine DarceyIsabelle Didier

Odette JoyeuxCécilia Prieur

Bernard BlierPescani, un élève du Conservatoire

Robert PizaniJérôme

Madeleine Lambert

Madeleine LambertMme Élisabeth Prieur, mère de Cécilia

Roger BlinDominique, le gardien du château de la famille de Cécilia

Mady Made

Mady MadeDenise

Babita Soren

Babita SorenNorah Storm

André BrunotFernand Grenaison, l'oncle d'Isabelle

Madeleine GeoffroyMme Fernande Grenaison, épouse de Fernand