Brilliant anti-Nazi comedy, Lubitsch's most political film is as richly enjoyable as his more frivolous fare. Absolute classic Lubitsch scene involving Jack Benny and Sig Ruman over identity of imposter - great acting, and they are just so civilised with each other. Benny so funny in 'To Be or Not to Be..' moments, Lombard fabulous in her final film. (She died before it was released.)
The Larry Swindells book reports that Lubitsch and Lombard got on famously, that she essentially co-directed with sideline reactions, brought young Robert Stack in on the project. It was her happiest film shoot and she told Lubitsch she'd like to make many more films with him. No studio was willing to make it (Pearl Harbor was just around the corner). Getting Lombard on board helped secure the financing. She took top billing over Benny, saying "It's only fair, Jack - you've got all the best lines!"
It was an independent production (the London Films credit on our print must refer to the UK distributor), photographed moodily by Rudolph Maté, edited by Dorothy Spencer, written by Melchior Lengyel and Edwin Justus Mayer, production design by Vincent Korda. Lubitsch likes his whip pans - they're almost as distinctive a feature as his famous scenes around doorways.
With Felix Bressart, Lionell Atwill, Stanley Ridges, Tom Dugan, Charles Halton, Halliwell Hobbes.
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| The Banksy moment |
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