Review of Bluebeard's 8th Wife (1938) by Daniel K — 05 Feb 2010

3: The Lubitsch touch is evident from the opening 10 seconds or so of the film. The sign on the window listing languages is perfect: Something about German, French, and then "English is spoken, American is understood".

The opening conundrum dealing with the possible purchase of pajama tops without the trousers is great as well. The camera rushes along with the clerk as they climb up to chain to deal with the pressing issue.

First the manager, then the vice president, then the V.P. phones the President in bed and he comes to the phone without the trousers, but still refuses to sell. Hilarious. Then Colbert offers to purchases the bottoms while Cooper gets the tops.

This is a "meet cute" that has been copied, with minor variations, time and time again in romantic comedies. Of course it had to come from the master himself. Honestly, it's a brilliantly funny and entertaining picture, although not consistent enough throughout to qualify as one of Lubitsch's best.

Still, one wonders both how Lubitsch does it and how a film like this can manage to dissappear over the years. The first act or so is as funny or funnier than most of the best contemporary comedies. Lubitsch rivals the best of Chaplin and Keaton even.

David Niven's typing scene is absolutely classic. One key, then he crosses out a letter, then another key, and another letter crossed out, etc. etc. I suspect this would have brilliant with a different cast.

I've never been a huge fan of either Cooper or Colbert even if they are pretty god here. Great ending.