Review of The Shop Around the Corner (1940) by Erika A — 30 Dec 2007

Two bickering co-workers with deep enmity are secretly corresponding pen pals in anomynous names. one of sugar-crested comedies toys with the coincidence of fate.

Margaret sullavan demonstrates a great deal of assertiveness as the opinionated clara. this trait could be beautified with the term called "individuality" but unfortunately from time to time it borders on unforgiving inconsiderateness, indulging herself in those torrid love letters without a slight concern for people around her in reality that could be unpleasant.

In the scene she dismisses stewart in their cafe encounter, and she's relentlessly tearing him away that infuriates stewart to condemn her as harsh spinster, but she retorts with the complacency of the love letter she receives, then insulting him back with the remark "insignificant worker" just right after he gets unemployed miserably. miss sullavan's character is hardly likable with all her narcissism on her own affair and her rash disregard on stewart while he tolerates her egoism with good sports as well as a patiently willing heart to appreciate her sharp wits even that is utilized to offend him.

Maybe the purpose of this story is that you disguise yourself in reality with shield, sometimes as your heart exposed and prejudices discarded, true love is right in front of you, even from your worst enemy. it might be a bit too naively idealistic.

The biggest flaw in this flick is its lack of a charismatic female lead to neutralize her bellicosity , maybe katherine hepburn should be considered in this project, considering hepburn's performance in "woman of the year" and "philadelphia story", she could be competent as clara. sullavan's interpretation is like the unpractical reveries of a desperate woman who fears to be old maid. and stewart's fondness over her is unconvincingly bewildering.