Review of Ninotchka (1939) by Dave H — 12 Oct 2013

This film rocks! Perhaps, in the second half, there is a tad too much romance and melodrama (and necessary plot!) compared to the delightful comedy and political (mostly anti-Commie) satire. A bit stagey, of course, but the script is flawless and fast-moving, and pulled off perfectly by the leads - a perfect study in contrast.

Garbo is a buttoned-up riot right up until she (yes) laughs, and after this the film becomes less comic and more dramatic - but Ms. Garbo remains endearing. The dialogue is arguably the most consistently sharp of any pre-40s film, not surprising considering Billy Wilder had a hand in the writing of it, and Ernst Lubitsch in the directing of it.

Here's a sample: "The last mass trials have been a great success. There are going to be fewer but better Russians." And this exchange: Leon: "Ninotchka, you like me just a little bit?" Ninotchka: "Your general appearance is not distasteful.

" Leon: "Thank you." Ninotchka: "The whites of your eyes are clear. Your cornea is excellent." Now THAT'S a pick-up line.