The Shop Around the Corner- 1940 - A Film Directed by Ernst Lubitsch- 1 Hour 35 minutes

 Available on Internetarchives.org 

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

German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life

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

 this year's German Literature Month is now inviting contributions on writers from Germany writing in another language. I am taking the liberty to expand this to directors born in Germany who produced movies in English, such as Ernst Lubitsch, Fritz Lang, and Billy Wilder .

Ernst Lubitsch 

"During the 1920s, German cinema showed the way for modernity, as the UFA (Universum Film AG) studio in Berlin-Tempelhof, the largest and most advanced in Europe, brought together the greatest talents, including the producer Erich Pommer, and the directors Fritz Lang and Ernst Lubitsch. The great Hollywood studios, which had offices in Berlin, sought to attract the most talented directors; for instance in 1922, Paramount brought Ernst Lubitsch (1892-1947), who became the uncontested master of the elegant American comedy, and the famous “Lubitsch touch,” but who also released a biting satire of Nazi Germany in To Be or Not to Be. Universal brought in William Wyler (Wilhelm Weiller) (1902-1981) that same year, Warner called on the Hungarian Michael Curtiz (1886-1962) in 1926, and Fox gave a contract to Wilhelm Murnau (1888-1931) in 1927.  Passed over by both Vienna and Berlin, Curtiz directed a series of masterpieces in America that have subsequently become classics, notably with the actor Errol Flynn, who starred in Captain Blood in 1935 and especially in The Adventures of Robin Hood in 1938. His most famous film is no doubt Casablanca (1942) with Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. In 1930, Paramount hired Marlene Dietrich, whom Joseph von Sternberg (1894-1969) had encouraged to leave Germany after the success of The Blue Angel." From Sorbonne University Arts in Europe

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.

This is the eighth film from Ernst Lubitsch I have posted upon.

The Shop Around the Corner is a 1940 American romantic comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. It is based on the 1937 Hungarian play

The film tells the story of two employees at a leather goods shop in Budapest,in the 1930s,

who can barely stand each other, without realizing that they are falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pals. 

When the shop's owner announces that he is hiring a new manager, both Alfred and Klara begin to suspect that the other is the applicant, and their rivalry intensifies.

The film begins with an introduction to the Matuschek and Company leathergoods shop in Budapest. The owner, Mr. Matuschek (Frank Morgan), is a kind and benevolent man who takes care of his employees. Among the employees are Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) and Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan). Alfred is a head clerk who is known for his efficiency and attention to detail. Klara is a saleswoman who is known for her charm and wit.

The film is a classic example of the Lubitsch Touch, a style of comedy that is known for its wit, sophistication, and romanticism. Lubitsch uses a variety of techniques to create humor, including double entendre, slapstick, and visual gags. He also makes use of subtle symbolism and foreshadowing to develop the characters and plot.

The Little Shop Around the Corner is a timeless romantic comedy that has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its charm, humor, and heart. It is considered to be one of Lubitsch's finest films.