The Curtain Rises

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

Louis Jouvet M. Lambertin, professeur au Conservatoire Claude Dauphin François Polti Janine Darcey Isabelle Didier Odette Joyeux Cécilia Prieur Bernard Blier Pescani, un élève du Conservatoire Robert Pizani Jérôme

Madeleine Lambert Mme Élisabeth Prieur, mère de Cécilia

Roger Blin Dominique, le gardien du château de la famille de Cécilia

Mady Made Denise

Babita Soren Norah Storm

André Brunot Fernand Grenaison, l'oncle d'Isabelle

Madeleine Geoffroy Mme Fernande Grenaison, épouse de Fernand

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