The Marriage Circle (1924 Ernst Lubitsch)

From the dates on the letters it was clearly filmed in 1923, at Warner Brothers. I think the most remarkable thing about this film today, over a hundred years ago, is the subtlety of the acting. There isn't a trace of theatrical over-gesturing - rather it's the slightest of expression changes and looks - no doubt all acted out for the cast by Lubitsch - that make it still fresh.

Adolphe Menjou is particularly funny in a deadpan way, from the outset where he can't find any clean socks, so goes back to bed. Marie Provost is his wife who develops a big crush on Monte Blue, himself married to her friend Florence Vidor (king's ex). She in turn is fancied by Blue's colleague Creighton Hale, leading to some delightful mix-ups, the best of which comes right at the end. Also features one of those awfully polite confrontations between rival lovers (cf. That Uncertain Feeling), decisive moments at doorways.

Paul Burn adapted Lothar Schmidt's play.

It was photographed by Charles van Enger. The first of Lubitsch's films at Warner Bros.