The Big Pond

US (1930): Comedy/Romance

Maurice Chevalier was nominated for an Academy Award^® for best actor in this romantic comedy about a Venetian tour guide who falls for a rich American tourist. Chevalier plays the tour guide Pierre, while Claudette Colbert is American beauty Barbara. Although Barbara returns Pierre's amorous feelings, her family is convinced Pierre is just out for Barbara's money. Finally, Barbara's mother suggests that her husband hire Pierre to work in his gum factory. Everyone agrees and, as it turns out, Pierre comes up with a brilliant moneymaking scheme to increase sales. Hobart Henley directs; supporting cast includes George Barbier, Marion Ballou, Andrée Corday, Frank Lyon and Nat Pendleton. (amctv.com)

Note: A French-dialogue version, La Grande mare, was filmed simultaneously. It was directed by Henri Bataille and featured Chevalier, Colbert, Corday, Pendleton, Lorraine Jaillet, Maude Allen, Henry Mortimer, and William Williams.

1 nomination