Café Metropole is a lighthearted romantic comedy set in the glamorous nightlife of Paris. The story follows an American adventurer, Alexander Brown, who finds himself broke in the French capital. After a run-in at the luxurious Café Metropole, he becomes entangled in a scheme hatched by the club’s owner to woo a wealthy heiress for her fortune. Complications arise when genuine romance develops, turning a con into a charming tale of mistaken identities, fast-talking schemes, and Parisian elegance.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Edward H. Griffith
Edward H. Griffith (1888–1975) was an American film director and screenwriter whose career spanned from the silent era into the mid-20th century. He was known for directing polished comedies and romantic dramas, often set against cosmopolitan backdrops. Griffith directed films such as The Animal Kingdom (1932), Accent on Youth (1935), and Lady in the Dark (1944). While not considered among the most innovative directors of his time, he was respected for his craftsmanship and ability to bring charm and sophistication to his films.
Star Cast:
- Tyrone Power as Alexander Brown
- Loretta Young as Laura Ridgeway
- Adolphe Menjou as Victor Lobard
- Charles Winninger as Joseph Ridgeway
- Helen Westley as Aunt Josephine Ridgeway
- Gregory Ratoff as Café Manager
Upon its release, Café Metropole was warmly received as a delightful piece of escapist entertainment during the late 1930s. Audiences enjoyed the lively performances, particularly the on-screen chemistry between Tyrone Power and Loretta Young, as well as Adolphe Menjou’s suave turn as the scheming club owner. While not groundbreaking, it was appreciated as a stylish, witty comedy in the Fox studio tradition and further established Tyrone Power as a rising romantic lead of the era.
Fun Facts:
- The film was one of several romantic comedies that solidified Tyrone Power’s stardom in the 1930s.
- Loretta Young, already a seasoned actress by then, brought elegance and charm that complemented Power’s charisma.
- Adolphe Menjou, a well-known Hollywood figure for his debonair and often roguish roles, was perfectly cast as the manipulative but likable café owner.
- The film’s Parisian setting, though shot in Hollywood, showcased elaborate Art Deco–inspired sets that contributed to its atmosphere of sophistication.
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