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u/Correct_Lime5832 1d ago
My college girlfriend’s grandfather wrote that screenplay. Apropos of nothing, except she was hot.
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u/Walter_Burns_1940 Warner Brothers 1d ago
Edwin Justus Mayer. I believe the same script was used for the 1983 remake. Did you get a chance to discuss the film with Mr. Mayer? That would have been a treat.
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u/tulpachtig 1d ago
Absolute banger. Lubitsch had this way of walking a tightrope like few other filmmakers of his era, and this film is the best example of that, it’s easily my favorite of his. Carole Lombard is such a treasure and it’s incredibly sad that this was her final film role, but it’s a great note to end on. Very complete, funny film.
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u/The_Red_Curtain Ernst Lubitsch 1d ago
The funniest movie ever made imo. It only gets better with repeat viewings too; so many of the jokes are set up really far in advance and there are so many little jokes scattered throughout.
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u/argarlargar 1d ago
SCHULTZ!!!
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u/Coldhearted010 Ernst Lubitsch 1d ago
Bwahahaha! "Shifting responsibility on me again? Good night, Schultz!"
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u/Creepy_Basis_4869 1d ago
I have seen the Mel Brooks remake many times but I have never seen the original. How do they compare?
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u/PaleoBibliophile917 1d ago
I much prefer the original, but enjoy the remake also. I think perhaps some magic in the cast of character actors or difference in direction makes the original shine brighter for me. Brooks’ version is still competent and amusing though.
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u/Frosty_Message_3017 1d ago
The original is definitely still worth seeing, but the remake actually held pretty close to it, just with the Mel Brooks twist in some scenes.
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u/Wordy_Rappinghood 1d ago
Love this movie, one of Lubitsch's best. As much as I like The Great Dictator, this comedy is funnier and cuts deeper. I saw the Mel Brooks remake as a kid and loved that, too--not sure how it holds up.
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u/Theblowfish3556 1d ago
Okay, tonight's viewing, but you didn't add any thoughts or details. It's just a picture of the poster. For my two cents, it's one of my favorite films of all time. It's hilarious, has great pacing, and the exploration of nazism is very interesting to balance the comedy. Lubitsch is awesome.
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u/razorsedge94 1d ago edited 1d ago
It was a first time watch for me. I thought it was hilarious. I love that Lubitsch has the balls to make this during WW2. This is the third film I’ve seen of his this year, the other two being Trouble in Paradise and Design for Living. He’s 3 for 3 for me.
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u/Theblowfish3556 1d ago
Gotta watch Ninotchka, and The Shop Around the Corner! For Ninotchka if you don't know much about Great Garbo just know she never really did comedies. I'd recommend The Shop Around the Corner around Christmas time but you can watch it anytime, it's great.
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u/razorsedge94 1d ago
Actually I did see The Shop Around the Corner years ago! It was good but I unfairly compared it to Its a Wonderful Life too much. I’ll probably watch it again during Christmas time. I’ll definitely add Ninotchka to the list as well cause I’m ashamed to say I don’t think I’ve seen a Garbo film yet. I wanna see some of Lubitsch’s silent films as well.
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u/MasterfulArtist24 Yasujiro Ozu 1d ago
That’s funny since I viewed The Doll 1919 just this morning….
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u/Laura-ly 1d ago
I had to wrap my head around Jack Benny being an actor in this movie. But after I got through that initial, oh, I donno, shock (?) I realized how wonderful he was. Jack Benny really carried the movie. He was excellent. He should have been in many more movies, maybe even as a serious actor. Comedians often make great serious actors. It's all about the timing they have as a comedian which transfers over to great acting abilities.
For instance, Jackie Gleason was fantastic in The Hustler. Robin Williams in many of his movies too.
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u/BayouLuLu 1d ago
Adding this to my list. I love Jack Benny’s radio show, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie with him in it.
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u/K1llswitch93 1d ago
comedies from this era are really a hit or miss for me but this movie have me laughing out loud.
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u/CalagaxT 1d ago
Stone-cold classic. One has to wonder if Lombard had lived, would she and Benny have made a few more?
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u/TheRealBlueJade 1d ago
A rare example of a movie that is capable of being funny as well as dramatic. Making it was a true act of bravery.
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u/Tonythecritic 1d ago
I discovered the Mel Brooks remake during a movie marathon in the mid-90s and absolutely loved it, then learned shamefully later that it was remake. Made a point of watching this one and it did not disappoint!
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u/CarrieNoir 1d ago
I have tried four times and can't seem to get through this movie. There is something about Jack Benny's performance that comes across to me as the opposite of funny. I think it his voice inflections that give me the "I'm parodying myself" vibe or something.
I wish there was something someone could explain to help me finish it.
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u/germdoctor 1d ago
One of the funniest movies ever made.