The Rage of Paris (1938) in Color — Starring Danielle Darrieux & Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

The Rage of Paris (1938) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the delightful romantic comedy The Rage of Paris (1938) colorized in stunning HD quality. Directed by Henry Koster, this sparkling Universal production stars Danielle Darrieux — France’s most beloved actress — in her Hollywood debut as a beautiful, penniless French girl who, with the help of two scheming friends, launches an elaborate plot to snare a wealthy American husband in the glamorous world of New York high society. The plan is flawless — until the girl falls genuinely in love with the wrong man and her heart begins sabotaging her carefully engineered scheme. Now available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for only €15.00.

Plot Summary

Nicole de Cortillon (Danielle Darrieux) is a beautiful young Frenchwoman alone in New York with no money, no job, and no prospects — until her friend Gloria (Helen Broderick), a sharp-tongued, worldly-wise American woman, and Mike (Mischa Auer), a loveable Russian con artist, devise a plan. They will pass Nicole off as a glamorous French heiress and manoeuvre her into the path of a suitable wealthy bachelor.

Their target is Jim Trevor (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.), a charming, attractive young millionaire. The scheme is elaborate: Nicole is installed in a luxurious hotel suite (on credit), dressed in stunning gowns (also on credit), and introduced into the social circles where wealthy bachelors hunt. Every encounter with Jim is carefully staged, every ‘coincidence’ meticulously planned. Gloria coaches Nicole on American courtship customs while Mike handles the logistics of their elaborate deception.

The plan works brilliantly — Jim is enchanted by the beautiful, sophisticated ‘heiress.’ But Nicole’s scheme develops a devastating complication: she falls genuinely, helplessly in love with Jim. Suddenly, the charming deception that was supposed to be a business transaction becomes emotionally unbearable. Nicole cannot bear to win Jim through lies when what she wants is to be loved for herself. Meanwhile, Jim’s shrewd business partner begins investigating Nicole’s background, threatening to expose the entire scheme. The comedy builds through escalating complications, brilliant misunderstandings, and Nicole’s increasingly frantic attempts to somehow win Jim honestly before the deception is discovered.

Cast & Crew

Director: Henry Koster
Stars: Danielle Darrieux is utterly enchanting in her Hollywood debut — her luminous beauty, impeccable comic timing, and genuine emotional warmth make Nicole irresistible. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is the perfect romantic foil, bringing his characteristic charm and intelligence. Helen Broderick and Mischa Auer steal every scene as the magnificently scheming supporting duo, creating one of the great comic partnerships of 1930s cinema.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition enhances the film’s glamorous New York settings with era-accurate hues. The luxurious hotel suites, elegant nightclubs, stunning evening gowns, and the sparkling social world of 1930s Manhattan gain dazzling visual sophistication through careful colour restoration. Now also available in colour.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Compatible with all devices that play MP4 files.

Historical Significance

Released in 1938, The Rage of Paris introduced American audiences to Danielle Darrieux, who would become one of the most enduring stars in French cinema history, with a career spanning over seven decades. Director Henry Koster, himself a European emigrant, brought sophistication and warmth to this charming comedy of deception and romance. The film’s witty exploration of class, money, and love in Depression-era America resonated strongly with audiences. Through colorization, this enchanting romantic comedy is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — professionally restored frame-by-frame
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: 78 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play anywhere, keep forever
• Instant download: Yes — available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is Danielle Darrieux really a legend?
A: Absolutely — Darrieux became one of the most celebrated actresses in French cinema history with a career spanning from the 1930s to the 2000s, and this Hollywood debut showcases the luminous charm that made her an international star.

Q: Is this a screwball comedy?
A: It has many screwball elements — the deception plot, the witty dialogue, the escalating complications, and a heroine whose heart undermines her scheme — all delivered with Continental sophistication and genuine romantic warmth.

Q: Is Douglas Fairbanks Jr. the son of the silent film star?
A: Yes — Douglas Fairbanks Jr. was the son of the legendary silent film swashbuckler, and he brought his own considerable charm and talent to a distinguished career in both adventure films and sophisticated comedies.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file compatible with all modern devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM protection?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free — you own it outright and can play it on any device forever.

Q: How do I receive the film after purchase?
A: You receive an instant download link immediately after payment. A backup copy of the link is also sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• London After Midnight (1927) Turner Production
• Ninotchka (1939)
• My Man Godfrey (1936)
• It Happened One Night (1934)
• Easy Living (1937)