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Trouble in Paradise - Criterion CollectionRating:
Release Date: 07 January, 2003 Retail Price: $39.95 OUR Price: $35.99 You SAVE: $3.96! Cast: Complete Cast (7 total) |
Trouble in Paradise - Criterion Collection Reviews
"If you behave like a gentleman, I'll break your neck!"
Trouble in Paradise is a great example of a sophisticated pre-code. It revolves around some thieves played by Herbert Marshall (Gaston) and Miriam Hopkins (Lily). Gaston manages to steal a wealthy woman's purse (Kay Francis) and when she offers a reward for its return, he goes to her and not only secures her trust, but gets a job managing her finances. This is the perfect setup for him and his girlfriend, but when he begins to fall in love with his benefactor, there is trouble.
The high-class humor surrounding the risqué topics are characteristics of director Ernst Lubitsch. His subtle wit floods the film, but it is difficult to describe the entire effect he had on film-making. It is obvious by the documentary-like introduction by Peter Bogdonovich, the audio commentary by Scott Eyman, and the tributes to Lubitsch by various Hollywood figures that his unique touch has left films since the director's death, an unfortunate occurrence.
The 1917 silent film Das fidele Gefangnis (The Merry Jail) is also included. Directed by Lubitsch in Germany, this film is slightly ahead of its time in style. The sets are enormous, especially the home of the couple, though it is not necessary. The cast is very good, particularly Kitty Dewall whose pretty smile lights up the screen. When a husband whose hobby is nightclubbing is sentenced to a night in jail, he decides to skip the jail time for another party. His wife tricks an admirer into serving the time for him while she masquerades as a stranger at the party to see just what her husband is up to while she stays up at night waiting for him.
A frivolous masterpiece
What a film! There is absolutely nothing to compare nowadays to the subtle, insinuating, sexy comedy of Ernst Lubitsch. This landmark film is now readily available through this superb Criterion package. The film is perfectly constructed and executed, to be viewed again and again and discover more tricks and nuances each time.
All the players are terrific. Miriam Hopkins is much less irritating than in most of her films but Kay Francis has the class which fits here like a glove. She is superb.
Rush out and buy this now. To view it once is just not enough.
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