The Rage of Paris aka Confession of a Model (Comedy, 1938)

Confessions of a Model is an alternate title for the screwball comedy The Rage of Paris, originally released by Universal Pictures. Directed by Henry Koster, this breezy 78-minute film blends risqué humor, mistaken identities, and romantic entanglements in a style reminiscent of classics like Bringing Up Baby and It Happened One Night. It was re-issued in 1951 under the Confessions of a Model title by Realart Pictures, emphasizing its glamorous, fashion-forward elements. The movie stars French actress Danielle Darrieux in her Hollywood debut, showcasing her charm and comedic timing at age 20.
Plot Summary
The story follows Nicole (Danielle Darrieux), a penniless French model in New York who's weeks behind on rent and desperate for financial security. With the help of her cynical roommate Gloria (Helen Broderick) and a scheming maitre d' named Mike (Mischa Auer), Nicole hatches a plan to marry a wealthy man. Their target is Bill Duncan (Louis Hayward), a naive heir who "owns half of Canada."
The plot kicks off with a hilarious meet-cute: Nicole, rushing to what she thinks is a modeling gig, bursts into the office of debonair businessman James Trevor (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) and begins undressing, mistaking him for a photographer. Mortified but undeterred, she uses Mike's $3,000 loan (intended for his dream restaurant) to buy glamorous clothes and pose as a sophisticated French aristocrat. At the opera, Nicole "accidentally" kisses Bill and drops her glove, sparking his pursuit. Bill introduces her to his friend James—who recognizes her from the wardrobe mishap but keeps quiet out of amusement. Jealousy ensues as James warns Bill that Nicole is a gold-digger, leading Bill to impulsively propose anyway. James "kidnaps" Nicole to his countryside estate to expose the scam, but they fall genuinely in love amid more comedic chaos, including eccentric caretakers and a troublesome two-sided photograph. In the end, Bill uncovers the ruse and backs out, leaving Nicole to hitchhike back to the city. She chooses true romance with James, while Mike recovers his money to open his restaurant. The film wraps with sparkling dialogue, art deco sets, and a feel-good resolution that celebrates love over scheming.
Cast and Crew
Danielle Darrieux as Nicole: The sparkling lead, bringing continental flair and physical comedy.
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as James Trevor: Suave and witty, providing perfect romantic tension.
Louis Hayward as Bill Duncan: The gullible rich target, adding earnest charm.
Helen Broderick as Gloria: The sharp-tongued best friend and comic foil.
Mischa Auer as Mike: The opportunistic maitre d' whose loan fuels the farce.
Supporting roles include Harry Davenport as the quirky caretaker and Charles Coleman in ensemble bits.

Directed by Henry Koster, known for light-hearted fare like Three Smart Girls, the film features a screenplay by Lesser Samuels (based on a play by Jacques Deval) and crisp black-and-white cinematography that highlights Darrieux's wardrobe and the film's urban-rural contrasts.
Reception and Legacy
Praised as a "forgotten gem," the movie earned acclaim for its fast-paced direction, perfect casting, and boundary-pushing humor under the Hays Code. Darrieux's performance is a standout, blending vulnerability with verve.