The Merry Widow- A 1934 Film Directed by Ernst Lubitsch- Set in the Imaginary Kingdom of Marshovia and Paris in 1895

 

This classic movie is part of my Participation in Paris in July 2023 - hosted by Words and Peace

https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/30/paris-in-july-2023/#list

The Merry Widow may be viewed at the link below at no cost. Be advised the it is an unrestored 86 year old film but still very watchable 

https://tubitv.com/movies/715021/the-merry-widow

During Paris in July 2016 I featured another set in Paris movie by Ernst Lubitsch,

Ninotchka, starring Greta Garbo. Seven years is to long between Ernst Lubitsch Films.

The Merry Widow is a musical comedy starring Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald. It is an adaptation of the 1905 operetta of the same name by Franz Lehár. The film tells the story of a small kingdom that is on the verge of bankruptcy. The only hope for financial salvation lies in the beautiful widow Hanna Glawari (MacDonald), who inherited her husband's fortune. The king of Marshovia (George Barbier) dispatches the dashing Count Danilo (Chevalier) to Paris to win back Hanna's allegiance and restore the nation to prosperity.

Count Danilo is perfectly played by Maurice Chevalier. Every woman in Marshovia is crazy for him but the rich widow. Even the King's wife is infatuated with him. The looks on the faces of her young maids when it turns out they all know his address is alone enough to make the movie hilarious.

Paris is displayed in decadent night clubs and lavish balls,  There are some scary plot turns, but the ending is gratifying.

Soon I Hope to post on three more films by Ernst Lubitsch, To Be or Not to Be, The Shop Around the Corner and Cluny Brown.

For Paris in July I will next feature The Tales of Hoffmmann directed by William Powell and Emeric Pressburger 

Mel Ulm