Curtain Up – 1952 | 81 mins | Comedy | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Comedy based on Philip King’s stage farce “On Monday Next”, concerning the chaotic life for a provincial repertory company when the author of its new play arrives. Margaret Rutherford and Robert Morley are perfectly suited to the droll lines but the transition from stage to screen isn’t entirely successful due to the stagebound material and a lack of spark.

Set during a single day in the life of Drossmouth repertory theatre company who are rehearsing at the Theatre Royal for the following week’s play. The play, Tarnished Gold, is written by Catherine Beckwith (Margaret Rutherford), the aunt of the man financing the play. The producer, Derwent Blacker (Robert Morley), struggles to direct dress rehearsals as the interfering author, temperamental actors and mocking stagehands combine to undermine his efforts.