The Cat and the Fiddle (1934)

Director:

William K. Howard

Writers:

Otto A. Harbach (book)
Bella Spewack (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

16 February 1934 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Romance | Drama

Tagline:

Jeanette MacDonald's MGM Debut!

Plot:

A romance between a struggling composer and an American singer. |

Plot Keywords:

Singer | Composer | Violinist | Show Business | Engagement

Cast

Ramon Novarro	...	Victor Florescu
Jeanette MacDonald	...	Shirley Sheridan
Frank Morgan	...	Jules Daudet
Charles Butterworth	...	Charles
Jean Hersholt	...	Professor Bertier
Vivienne Segal	...	Odette Brieux
Frank Conroy	...	Theatre Owner
Henry Armetta	...	Taxi Driver
Adrienne D'Ambricourt	...	Concierge
Joseph Cawthorn	...	Rodolphe 'Rudy' Brieux

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Passed (National Board of Review)

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

At the insistence of Jeanette MacDonald, the once substantial supporting role of soprano Vivienne Segal was reduced until it was almost non-existent.

Quotes:

Victor: Every morning you and I will ride Teresa through the park. The sun will shine, the birds will sing, the flowers will bloom...
Shirley: And I'll yell for the police!

Soundtrack:

One Moment Alone

Two Stars Shine in Forgotten Musical

Two struggling young composers share adjoining pensions in Brussels. A romance ensues, and they soon find themselves sharing more than just the view. When the lady finds success, the gentleman departs, seeking for fame of his own. Fate conspires to keep them apart - can they ever, like THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE, make sweet music together?

Although virtually forgotten today, this musical romance has much to recommend it, including sophisticated performances from its two stars, Ramon Novarro & Jeanette MacDonald. The lavish production values may have been the Studio's way of pumping MacDonald in this, her first MGM film. Both of the stars exude charm & handle the Kern/Hammerstein score quite nicely.

This would be their only film together. MacDonald would soon begin her celebrated collaboration with Nelson Eddy and become one of the Studio's superstars. Not so for Novarro. Although he gives a fine performance here, after only two more (negligible) films, Novarro would be released from his MGM contract. Tastes in male leads had shifted away from the Latin Lover, but also the Studio bosses were doubtless concerned that Novarro's private life might prove a scandal and an embarrassment, a la William Haines. Be that as it may, THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE would prove to be Novarro's last decent starring role.

Some very fine supporting actors appear: Charles Butterworth, as a befuddled benefactor; Jean Hersholt, as a kindly music professor; Henry Armetta, as a furious cab driver; and Frank Morgan, as a comically lecherous impresario. In unbilled roles, movie mavens will recognize Paul Porcasi, as an unfriendly cafe owner; Herman Bing, as the speechless leader of the Fireman's Band; Sterling Hollowly, as a delivery boy; and Christian Rub, as a stage actor.

Best song? `The Night Was Made For Love.' The film segues into eye-pleasing early Technicolor for the final scene.