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Elissa Landi and Cary Grant star in this romantic comedy about an opera fan (Grant) who falls in love with one of its most in-demand singers (Landi). When they marry, Grant’s character enjoys the frivolity and camaraderie of Landi and her humorous staff, but grows lonesome from all her months spent on tour around the world. When he signals for a divorce and begins seeing another woman (Sharon Lynn), Landi has a hard time giving him up — and Grant comes to realize he still has feelings for her, too.
Enter Madame! gets more humorous and entertaining as it goes, ending in screwball comedy fashion. But before the strong final act, it depends on a compelling character relationship that simply isn’t there. Landi and Grant are perfectly serviceable, but there’s no chemistry between them. Complicating matters is that the viewer isn’t sure if they really want the two to get back together in the end, especially after the horrible way they undeservingly treat Lynn’s character. Director Elliott Nugent also makes a calculated error by spending too much time on three different opera performances of Puccini, Verdi, and Mascagni. They look and sound nice, but halt the film’s narrative momentum.
Apart from the comedic finale, the best moments are a few chaotic scenes shared among Grant, Landi, and her colorful staff, played warmly by Lynne Overman, Michelette Burani, Adrian Rosley, and Paul Porcasi. While Enter Madame! has its moments, it’s probably a film for Cary Grant superfans and completists only.
Based on a 1920 Broadway play. With Frank Albertson and Cecilia Parker. Elissa Landi’s singing voice is provided by Nina Koshetz.