CINDERELLA (1937)

Today’s post about CINDERELLA (1937) is by Naïs Nolibos (@mdamenana on Instagram), a journalist/writer specializing in historical LGBTQ music (1900 – 1960). Be sure to check out her Instagram account for more great content!

The French film CINDERELLA, directed by Pierre Caron in 1937, features a scene ambiguously showing the homosexuality of the character of Mr. Jolibois, a choreographer of music hall dancers - played by the actor Jacques Josselin.

Through a question surrounding the marriage of the four protagonists, Colette a maid - played on screen by the bisexual singer Jane Stick - asks Mr. Jolibois if he plans to get married. He responds in an effeminate manner that he is "in no hurry" to get married.... after this answer, the little gang says in heart: "well we suspected that" while gesturing towards him.

Synopsis: After being fired from her job as a waitress, Evelyne finds refuge in a cabaret where she first works as a cleaner. Following an intrigue with the star of the cabaret, the director promises Evelyne the role of leader of the revue under the name of Cinderella. She is very successful, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Gilbert the astronomer. Having become his lover, she is forced to hide her real profession from him

CINDERELLA

1937. France.

Director: Pierre Caron

Screenplay: Jean Montazel

Starring: Joan Warner (Evelyne, Cinderella); Christiane Delyne (Dany Rosy); Maurice Escande (Gilbert); Suzanne Dehelly (Virginie, the dresser); O’dett (Bobêche); Félix Paquet (Tintin, the electrician); Jane Stick (Colette, the maid); Marcel Vallée (the cabaret director); Jacques Josselin (M. Jolibois the choreographer) ...etc