Lubitsch Musicals (2026)

4 Stars (out of 4)

Touch Screens

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Universal released these four early Lubitsch films (1929-1932) in a seven-film LaserDisc box set back in the 1990s, which is when I first saw them. The Criterion Collection released just the first four in an Eclipse DVD set in 2008, and here in 2026 comes the Blu-ray edition. It had been a while since I saw these, and it was a pure pleasure revisiting them.

The Love Parade (1929) was Ernst Lubitsch's first talkie, and despite the change in technology, Lubitsch's touch is as fluid as ever, especially in the almost silent sequence in which the two main characters, Count Alfred (Maurice Chevalier) and Queen Louise (Jeanette MacDonald) find themselves falling in love over dinner, and clandestinely observed by many members of the Queen's court. After being married, the Count finds himself a figurehead with no power and not much to do. The songs can feel a bit static, but the movie overall has a surprising flow. It was very popular and beloved, and received six Oscar nominations. The famous frog-voiced character actor Eugene Pallette appears in a supporting role.

Monte Carlo (1930) is probably the weakest of the foursome, perhaps because of the lack of Chevalier, or because of the presence of the not-very-interesting Jack Buchanan. It does, however, feature one of the most memorable songs in the set, "Always in All Ways." MacDonald plays Countess Helene Mara who leaves her husband-to-be (Claud Allister) at the altar and escapes to Monte Carlo with her maid Bertha (ZaSu Pitts, of Greed). Her plan is to win a fortune at roulette, a plan that goes awry. Count Rudolph Falliere (Buchanan) falls in love with her and pretends to be a hairdresser to get close to her. It's party based on a novel by Booth Tarkington (The Magnificent Ambersons).

The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) is easily the best in the set, and one of Lubitsch's masterpieces. It's beautifully acted and brilliantly directed, and it has a surprisingly bittersweet ending. Chevalier plays Lieutenant Nikolaus von Preyn, or "Niki" for short. His married friend Max (Charles Ruggles) is having an affair with the beautiful Franzi (Claudette Colbert), the leader of an all-woman orchestra. Niki is also smitten with her and wins her away. While standing in formation at a parade, Niki winks at her, but the wink is seen by Princess Anna (Miriam Hopkins). She takes offense, and Niki tries to save the day by telling her that he couldn't help himself because of her beauty. Unfortunately, Anna unexpectedly demands that Niki marry her. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture.

One Hour with You (1932) was co-directed with George Cukor, although it was not an amicable teaming. Lubitsch began preproduction on a film that was a remake of his own The Marriage Circle (1924), but when his previous film went over schedule, Cukor was called in. Cukor clashed with Chevalier and Lubitsch was called back, though Cukor stayed, and they both fought for sole credit. In any case, it must have been a great learning experience for Cukor, serving his own later comedies well. The plot has Chevalier as Dr. Andre Bertier, who stops to break the fourth wall and speak to the audience every so often. He's happily married to Colette (MacDonald), but things get off-balance with Colette's old friend Mitzi (Genevieve Tobin) comes to town; she takes a liking to Andre and begins pursuing him. Meanwhile, Andre's pal Adolph (Ruggles) takes advantage of the situation and begins pursuing Colette. Despite the directorial troubles, it's a solid, sophisticated comedy.

Lubitsch Musicals is #8 in Criterion's Eclipse Series. The four movies are packaged on two great-looking Blu-rays. There are no bonuses, other than subtitles and a liner notes booklet by Eclipse series editor Imogen Sara Smith. Highly Recommended.