Madame DuBarry is a 1919 German silent film on the life of Madame Du Barry. It was directed by Ernst Lubitsch, written by Norbert Falk and Hanns Kräly with the title role taken by Pola Negri and Louis XV played by Emil Jannings. Its alternative title for United States distribution was Passion.

 Available on YouTube 

Madame DuBarry is a 1919 German silent film on the life of Madame Du Barry. It was directed by Ernst Lubitsch, written by Norbert Falk and Hanns Kräly with the title role taken by Pola Negri and Louis XV played by Emil Jannings. Its alternative title for United States distribution was Passion.

Ernst Lubitsch 

Born: January 29, 1892, Berlin, Germany - produces 65 silent films before moving to America

1922 Moves to Hollywood- Warner Pictures Signed him to a three year six picture contract

Died: November 30, 1947, Los Angeles, California, United States

Lubitsch directed two of my favourite movies, Ninotchka and To Be or Not to Be.

I am currently reading Ernst Lubitsch- A Biography: Laughter in Paradise by Scott Eyman. I learned of the close artistic relationship between Pola Negri and Ernst Lubitsch from this marvelous book.

"A new addition to the Lubitsch ménage was Pola Negri, who would become his primary object of female contemplation for the next four years. Aggressive where Ossi Oswalda was passive, ferociously sexual where Oswalda was girlish, Negri’s mere presence changed the chemistry of Ernst’s films, and of his surroundings. A naturally imperious personality, born in Poland sometime between 1899 (her date) and 1894 (the likely date), Negri would become virtually the only person who ever referred to Lubitsch as “Ernie.”...I believe she was one of the most vital persons I have ever known,” he would say of her in 1938, “combining those two most important requisites—natural color (the art of being talked and written about) and a highly developed and sensitive artistic instinct.” From Ernst Lubitsch Laughter in Paradise 

Madame du Barry is a 1919 German silent historical film directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Pola Negri as Jeanne du Barry, the last mistress of King Louis XV of France. The film was a commercial success and helped to establish Lubitsch's reputation as a major filmmaker.

The film tells the story of Jeanne du Barry's rise from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful women in France. She is a beautiful and ambitious woman who uses her charms to seduce King Louis XV and gain his favor. However, her rise to power is met with envy and resentment from the nobility, and she eventually falls victim to the French Revolution.

Lubitsch's direction is stylish and sophisticated, and he makes use of opulent sets and costumes to create a visually stunning film. Negri gives a captivating performance as Jeanne du Barry, and she is well-supported by a cast that includes Emil Jannings as King Louis XV.

Madame du Barry is a fascinating and entertaining film that is considered to be one of Lubitsch's best works. It is a must-see for fans of silent cinema and historical drama.

The film's title is a reference to the famous French perfume house, which was founded in 1775. The perfume was named after Madame du Barry, and it was said to be one of her favorites.

Madame du Barry is a lavishly produced film, with opulent sets and costumes. The film is also notable for its use of close-ups and its innovative camera techniques.

The film was released in Germany on September 18, 1919. It was released in the United States on November 24, 1920. 

Films by German directors are an important part of post World War One German Culture, from the groundbreaking silent classics of the Weimar Republic to the movies of Leni Reisenthal in celebration of Nazi rule, beloved by Goebels, to modern Oscar winners, I am pleased to see German Literature Month XIII now welcomes posts on Films by German Directors

This is a post for German Literature Month XIII 2023

German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life

https://lizzysiddal2.wordpress.com/2023/09/22/announcing-german-literature-month-xiii/