Thirty Day Princess is a 1934 pre-Code comedy film directed by Marion Gering and starring Sylvia Sidney, Cary Grant, and Edward Arnold. The plot revolves around Princess Catterina of the Ruritanian Kingdom of Taronia, who falls ill with the mumps on her way to New York to secure financial backing for her country. To maintain appearances, an unemployed lookalike actress named Nancy Lane, also portrayed by Sylvia Sidney, is hired to impersonate the princess. The film explores themes of mistaken identity, romance, and financial intrigue against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Despite some mixed reviews, it is noted for its charming comedy and the performances of the lead actors.
Plot
The plot of Thirty Day Princess revolves around Princess Catterina of the Ruritanian Kingdom of Taronia, who falls ill with the mumps on her way to New York to secure financial backing for her country. In a desperate attempt to maintain appearances and secure the financial transaction, an unemployed lookalike actress named Nancy Lane is hired to impersonate the princess. The story follows the comedic events that unfold as Nancy Lane navigates her new royal role and attempts to change the mind of the chief opponent of the financial transaction, newspaper publisher Porter Madison III. The film explores themes of mistaken identity, romance, and financial intrigue against the backdrop of the Great Depression.
Cast
- Sylvia Sidney as Nancy Lane / Princess Catterina
- Cary Grant as Porter Madison III
- Edward Arnold as Gresham
- Ray Walker as Kirk
- Henry Stephenson as Anatol
- Vince Barnett as Nicholaus
- Edgar Norton as Passeria
Director: Marion Gering
Writer: Preston Sturges, Frank Partos
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 20, 2017
Theme
The theme of the 1934 film Thirty Day Princess revolves around royalty, mistaken identity, romance, and financial intrigue. The movie follows the story of Princess Catterina of the fictional Ruritanian Kingdom of Taronia, who falls ill with the mumps on her way to New York to secure financial backing for her country. To maintain appearances and secure the financial transaction, an unemployed actress named Nancy Lane is hired to impersonate the princess, leading to a series of comedic events and romantic entanglements. The film's theme of royalty is central to the plot, as it explores the challenges and humor that arise from the juxtaposition of royal life with everyday circumstances, all set against the backdrop of the Great Depression.
Reception
The 1934 film Thirty Day Princess received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised the charming comedy and the performances of the lead actors, others found the plot to be somewhat predictable. Despite the mixed reception, the film is noted for its entertaining storyline, comedic elements, and the chemistry between the main characters. Overall, Thirty Day Princess is remembered for its light-hearted approach to themes of mistaken identity, romance, and financial intrigue, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of classic comedies.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The film Thirty Day Princess (1934) incorporates visual styles and techniques that are characteristic of the era and genre. The movie blends elements of screwball comedy and Ruritanian romance, creating a unique visual aesthetic that reflects both the traditional values of the fictional kingdom of Taronia and the modern setting of the 1930s. The visual style of the film emphasizes the contrast between the Old world charm of Taronia, with its traditional values and lack of modern conveniences, and the contemporary American setting. Additionally, the costumes, set design, and cinematography contribute to creating a visually engaging experience for the audience.
Furthermore, the film utilizes visual elements to highlight the theme of mistaken identity and the contrast between royalty and everyday life. Through the use of costumes, props, and staging, the movie effectively conveys the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate between their true identities and their assumed roles. The visual techniques employed in Thirty Day Princess play a crucial role in enhancing the comedic elements of the story and immersing the audience in the world of the film.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Thirty Day Princess is not the first full-length animated feature in color and with sound, as mentioned in one of the sources. This claim is inaccurate and likely a mix-up with another film.
The movie Thirty Day Princess features actors such as Sylvia Sidney, Cary grant, and Edward Arnold in key roles, contributing to the charm and entertainment of the film.
The plot of Thirty Day Princess involves mistaken identity, romance, and financial intrigue, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. The story follows an unemployed actress hired to impersonate a princess who falls ill on her way to secure financial backing for her country.
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