Review of The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) by Tim H — 13 Mar 2008

All right, take two. I only have twenty minutes before the store closes and I think I can spit out a quick review of The Smiling Lieutenant. This is the one of the Lubitsch's that really depresses me. (The other is One Hour With You) The reason being is the end of the movie. It is a dark ending disguised as a bright ending. I mean, this is a musical, romantic comedy, for goodness sake. I didn't expect the end to work out like it did. I understand that it kind of had to work out that way so it wouldn't be a cop-out, but goodness me.

But this is an absolutely fantastic musical regardless. Lubitsch really has a way with comedy that I haven't seen from very many directors, let along very many directors in 1931. It really has a contemporary feel to it with some gosh-darn great jokes. While I loved The Love Parade, I still wasn't in love with Maurice Chevalier's character then. All that has changed for me. Now, I love this character, but I have to state that he really plays the same character in every movie he's in. Sure, the circumstances are different, but it's Maurice Chevalier playing Maurice Chevalier. But I don't mind that at all because that character is so good.

Also, and perhaps this is me being more exposed to Lubitsch musicals and musicals from the '30's, but I really like the music in this one. The lyrics are an absolute stitch (when it's appropriate.).

I finally have to admit that I have a crush on Claudette Coblert. Sure, she was crazy hot in 1930 and it's 2008 now, but I'm working on that time machine. I'll get it working sometime soon.

As soon as I get a real job that doesn't involve me saying "would you like a bag for that?".