The Smiling Lieutenant (1931, Ernst Lubitsch) A Lt (Chevalier) enjoys a flirtation with a violinist (Colbert), but when a staid Princess (Hopkins) misreads his cheeky wink as aimed at her, she determines to marry him. It also marks a salutary advance over the previous films, as Lubitsch's first collaboration with writer Samson Raphaelson; Raphaelson became the director's most invaluable creative partner, the two working in such harmony that Raphaelson proposed some of the most … Eyman, Scott (2000) "Ernst Lubitsch: Laughter in Paradise. Romantic entanglements and jealousies confuse the scheme. Besotted, the Princess demands she has to marry the lieutenant, or, she'll marry an American instead. Maurice Chevalier, Claudette Colbert, and Miriam Hopkins are fun in their respective roles as the story unfolds. The Smiling Lieutenant Currently you are able to watch "The Smiling Lieutenant" streaming on FlixFling. She gives particular oomph to her songs, acting them fully. [2] Chevalier described performing – "smiles and cute winks of the eye" – a "mechanical display of technique" due to grief over his mother's death. The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) is a treasure trove of a film for a classic movie lover. Sarris, Andrew (1972). It is also possible to buy "The Smiling Lieutenant" on FlixFling as download or rent it on FlixFling online. The Smiling Lieutenant is a 1931 romantic comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Maurice Chevalier, Claudette Colbert, and Miriam Hopkins.. Chevalier is Lieutenant Nikolaus "Niki" von Preyn, a carefree Austrian officer who enjoys romancing the ladies and has recently entered into a romance with Franzi (Colbert), a charming violin player. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. The Smiling Lieutenant was nominated by AMPAS for Best Picture of 1931/32, and NYT included it in its 1931 "Ten Best" list. Singing, complications, a make-over & naughtiness follow. The City Editor of a sleazy tabloid goes against his own journalistic ethics to resurrect a twenty year old murder case... with tragic results. Indeed, without that blend of Gallic charm, earthiness and amiability, Lieutenant would be heavy going for contemporary audiences; they may still wince at the male-dominating worldview the film evinces, even … Written by When a small kingdom's main tax payer leaves for Paris, its king dispatches a dashing count to win back her allegiance. Peter Bart: How To Build A Film Critic For The Post-Pandemic Age, It’s official, the best Oscar year ever is… – watch Jump Cut #4. Yet complications ensue when the sexually repressed princess of the fictional kingdom of Flausenthurm, played … He's crazy about her and is smiling at her while on duty in the street. Her piano playing is impressive, whether it's real or not. A simple wink, intended by Austrian palace guard Lt. Nikolaus von Preyn (Maurice Chevalier) for girlfriend, Franzi (Claudette Colbert), is accidentally intercepted -- and misread -- by the visiting Princess Anna (Miriam Hopkins). I mention this because my wife was livid after the end of It was written by Samson Raphaelson and Ernest Vajda from the operetta Ein Walzertraum by Oscar Straus, with libretto by Leopold Jacobson [de] and Felix Dörmann [de], which in turn was based on the novel Nux, der Prinzgemahl ("Nux the Prince Consort") by Hans Müller-Einigen. The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) is an especially welcome element of the set, given that it was for many years thought to have been lost. There is little to add to the praise this classic film has already received from professional and amateur critics and viewers. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Lubitsch also played referee between Colbert and Hopkins, who were determined to be shot from the same angle. A convict falls in love with his new cellmate's sister, only to become embroiled in a planned break-out which is certain to have lethal consequences. The adoptive father of a young woman is horrified to learn she plans to marry the son of the man who accidentally killed her aunt years before. The joke you didn't expect. "Lubitsch in the Thirties: All Talking! Lubitsch was still in the stages of mastering sound-on-film technology and combining it with narrative: James Harvey acclaims that "technically The Smiling Lieutenant is the most accomplished of Lubitsch's early sound films. They soon fall in love with each other. King Adolf and his daughter Princess Anna from the neighboring kingdom of Flausenthurm drive by, and Anna intercepts a wink meant for Franzi. In sets, camerawork, background music, alternations of sound and silence, thus the film reaches a certain level that makes The Love Parade and Monte Carlo look comparatively stilted". Shop The Smiling Lieutenant [DVD] [1931] at Best Buy. Hopkins can be a grating performer but here tones it down. "Blue-Ribbon Pictures of 1931: Harvey, James (1998) "Romantic Comedy in Hollywood: From Lubitsch to Sturges", p. 22. After the initial confrontation, Franzi sees that the princess is in fact deeply in love with the lieutenant, and decides to save the marriage by giving the princess a makeover, singing "Jazz up your lingerie! [8] Billy Wilder defines the touch in relation to The Smiling Lieutenant: "It was the elegant use of the Superjoke. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. But his light comedy skills are otherwise formidable and in conjunction with Lubitsch's staging and framing add up to cinematic magic. A simple wink, intended by Austrian palace guard Lt. Nikolaus von Preyn (Maurice Chevalier) for … This FAQ is empty. ", The results are a complete success as the Lieutenant follows his satin-clad, cigarette-puffing bride into the bedroom and closes the door – only to open it and give the audience a last song and a suggestive wink. I’ve seen my wife legitimately angry in possibly three, maybe four times in the five years we’ve been together. Ernst Lubitsch had no finer interpreter of the Lubitsch style -- in musicals, at least - than Maurice Chevalier, and The Smiling Lieutenant takes full advantage of Chevalier's unique persona. Due to an ongoing copyright dispute with the silent-film version, The Smiling Lieutenant remained out of circulation for years and was considered as a lost film until a print was discovered in Denmark in the 1990s. Colbert equals and even surpasses him with her own skill and charm. The Love Parade (1929), Monte Carlo (1930), and The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) were hailed by critics as masterpieces of the newly emerging musical genre. Members of a family witness two murders, but the gang uses threats, violence and kidnapping to try to keep the members from testifying. ", Film Comment 8, p. 21. [7] When the film resurfaced, the "general elation" was followed by "an inevitable let down" due to technical problems. [2] It was also named the year's "Best Ten" by The New York Times, along with Charlie Chaplin's City Lights and F. W. Murnau's Tabu.[4]. One month free trial! Lubitsch encouraged their dispute that suited their characters on screen.[3]. The Smiling Lieutenant Ernst Lubitsch, Ernest Vajda and Samuel Raphaelson form a plenty smart trio working behind a camera. The Smiling Lieutenant Maurice Chevalier's randy Viennese lieutenant is enamored of Claudette Colbert's freethinking, all-girl-orchestra-leading cutie. The Smiling Lieutenant: Princess Anna The first of three films Hopkins made with Lubitsch 1931 24 Hours: Rosie Duggan 1931 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Ivy Pearson 1932 Two Kinds of Women: Emma Krull 1932 Dancers in the Dark: Gloria Bishop 1932 The World … The Smiling Lieutenant - DVD-R (1931) for $19.00 from OLDIES.com Comedy Maurice Chevalier laughing and loving again in Ernst Lubitsch's sparkling cocktail of romantic merriment - … Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert light up the screen in this charming musical comedy The Smiling Lieutenant directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The Smiling Lieutenant Photos View All Photos (7) Movie Info. King Adolf and his daughter Princess Anna from the neighboring kingdom of Flausenthurm drive by, and Anna intercepts a wink meant for Franzi. The international incident is narrowly averted by having them get married. Lieutenant Niki of the Austrian royal guard has a new girlfriend, Franzi. The Smiling Lieutenant is a delightful and entertaining movie to watch. Da Capo Press, New York. A charming moment of song from Ernst Lubitsch's 1931 film, The Smiling Lieutenant. The ultimate Superjoke is that at the end of the film, "the wrong girl gets the man". A gentleman thief and a lady pickpocket join forces to con a beautiful perfume company owner. [3], Green, Stanley (1999) Hollywood Musicals Year by Year (2nd ed. My wife is a nice, wonderful woman. Here's our roundup of the best new series of the year so far, and where to watch them. Get unlimited DVD Movies & TV Shows delivered to your door with no late fees, ever. It is an object lesson in the art of filmmaking, cleverly conceived and plotted, gorgeously photographed, well acted by a colorful cast, constantly fresh and joyous, inventive and artful. 7 of 7 people found this review helpful. Franzi follows and enjoys a brief affair with Niki before Anna finds out. The Smiling Lieutenant is a 1931 American pre-Code musical comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Maurice Chevalier, Claudette Colbert and Miriam Hopkins, and released by Paramount Pictures. Rent The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) starring Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert on DVD and Blu-ray. Amsterdam University Press, Amsterdam. She falls for Niki, marries him (he has no choice in the matter), and whisks him off to Flausenthurm. Drama. You had a joke, and you felt satisfied, and then there was one more big joke on top of it. She falls for Niki, marries him (he has no choice in the matter), and whisks him off to Flausenthurm. Franzi, much more experienced in the ways of the world, gives Anna lessons on how to win the affections of her husband. Price Match Guarantee. John Oswalt
. Storyline Lieutenant Niki of the Austrian royal guard has a new girlfriend, Franzi. But this one was The Smiling Lieutenant, a very oddly-structured romcom (a feature, not a bug) seeing as Chevalier is almost immediately in a relationship with Claudette Colbert, but then he gets in hot water with visiting aristocrats, thinks he can charm/Bugs Bunny himself out of it, and finds out what happens when a princess takes a shine to him. Crime, Certificate: Passed Hall, Mordaunt. While on patrol, Lieutenant Nikolaus “Niki” von Preyn (Chevalier) winks at his beautiful love interest, Franzi (Colbert). #PreCodeApril fans. While standing in formation before a parade honoring the visiting royal family of Flausenthurm, Niki takes the opportunity to wink at Franzi in the crowd. The Lieutenant sneaks away from his bride to wander the streets of Flausenthurm to find his girlfriend. The contrast between the females, Miriam Hopkins and Claudette Colbert, is deftly arranged. The naive Princess assumes offense, leading the lieutenant to convince her that he slighted her because she is thought to be very beautiful. An unhappily married couple try to come between a happy one. The Smiling Lieutenant was Paramount's biggest grosser of 1931. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. The princess learns of this and decides to confront Franzi. The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. A crusading newspaper editor tricks his retiring star reporter into covering one last case. [2], The notion of "The Lubitsch Touch" is used to describe the visual comment or joke that becomes a trademark or signature of Lubitsch's films. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Smiling_Lieutenant&oldid=1007895143, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 20 February 2021, at 13:55. (1931). Made and released during the Depression, THE SMILING LIEUTENANT offered welcome escapism for a public reeling under too real economic woes. View production, box office, & company info. claudette colbert* 63/63 46_291-0=46_291 {3LRN_1LRW}. London", p. 169. A countess flees to Monte Carlo on the day of her wedding, where she is courted by a count posing as a hairdresser. Was this review helpful to you? All Lubitsch! He's crazy about her and is smiling at her while on duty in the street. She is insanely cheerful, with an upbeat attitude that often throws people off. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. King Adolf and his daughter Princess Anna from the neighboring kingdom of Flausenthurm drive by, and Anna intercepts a wink meant for Franzi. Unfortunately the gesture is intercepted by Anna, the Princess of Flausenthurm (Miriam Hopkins). The Smiling Lieutenant streaming: where to watch online? [1], The film was not made under pleasant circumstances: the shift to the Astoria, New York, studios accounts for the sense of confinement on set. A woman cannot decide between two men who love her, and the trio agree to try living together in a platonic friendly relationship. Comedy, Certificate: Passed It is an enjoyable film that has many laughs and some catchy songs. He's crazy about her and is smiling at her while on duty in the street. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. It has the “Lubitsch touch,” as it was directed by the revered director Ernst Lubitsch; is quite Pre-Code in its content and is a musical, though it is not chockful with songs. The dialogue is brilliant, especially when it blossoms with playful double entendres. Anna's stuffy papa quickly consents to her marriage with a foreign Lieutenant after her simple threat: If the King doesn't say Yes, she'll marry an American! The other two were Trouble in Paradise and Design for Living. The Smiling Lieutenant is a 1931 American musical comedy movie directed by Ernst Lubitsch and was based on the 1905 novel Nux, der Prinzgemahl by Hans Müller-Einigen and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1932. Ernst Lubitsch - Wikipedia During the pre-code Hollywood of the early 1930s, she appeared in The Smiling Lieutenant , The Story of Temple Drake , and Design for Living , all of which were box-office successes and critically acclaimed. Thompson, Kristin (2005) "Herr Lubitsch Goes To Hollywood: German and American Film After World War I", p. 126. Discover some of our favorites from the wide range of films the Academy chose to honor with a recap of the big winners at the 2021 Oscars. Retaining the elemental contours of the Strauss operetta and a good deal of its music, it presents songs few in number and definitely American and vulgar in character. That was the Lubitsch touch." 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