The read
Critics rate it 13 points higher than audiences do. It runs a compact 1h 28m.
Synopsis
Sassy and ambitious waitress Mary Evans amuses and befriends amiable seldom-sober Hollywood film director Max Carey when he stumbles into her restaurant. Max invites Mary to his film premiere and, after a night of drinking and carousing, Mary is granted a screen test. A studio contract follows. Just as Mary finds her dreams coming true, Carey’s life and career begins its descent.
Ratings
IMDb7/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Critics rate it 13 points higher than audiences do.
40 audience votes
Key crew
- George CukorDirector
- Jane MurfinScreenplay
- Ben MarksonScreenplay
- Gene FowlerWriter
- Rowland BrownWriter
- Max SteinerOriginal Music Composer
- Allen RivkinScreenplay
Cast
- Constance BennettMary Evans
- Lowell ShermanMaximilian 'Max' Carey
- Neil HamiltonLonny Borden
- Gregory RatoffJulius Saxe
- Brooks BenedictMuto
- Louise BeaversMary's Maid Bonita
- Eddie 'Rochester' AndersonMax's Butler James (uncredited)
- King BaggotDepartment Head (uncredited)
- Gerald BarryJohn Reed (uncredited)
- Veda BucklandBaby Jackie's Nursemaid Nana (uncredited)
- Nicholas CarusoChef at Brown Derby (uncredited)
- Lita ChevretActress Filming on Movie Set (uncredited)
Stills
Themes
waitressshow businessalcoholismfilm in filmhollywoodweddingalcoholicfilmmakingmillionairepre-codehas beenbig break