A Timeless Gem: Reviewing Ernst Lubitsch's "The Shop Around the Corner"

In the landscape of classic cinema, some films transcend mere entertainment, becoming cherished cultural artifacts. Ernst Lubitsch's The Shop Around the Corner, released in 1940, is undoubtedly one such film. More than just a romantic comedy, it's a poignant exploration of human connection, loneliness, and the surprising places where love can blossom. Its enduring charm lies not only in its witty dialogue and delightful performances but also in its profound understanding of the human heart. This review delves into the film's narrative brilliance, character development, technical aspects, and lasting impact, exploring why it continues to resonate with audiences over eight decades later.

Plot: A Dance of Misunderstanding and Affection

The film revolves around Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) and Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan), two employees at Matuschek and Company, a Budapest gift shop specializing in leather goods and musical boxes. Kralik, a seasoned and respected salesman, finds his life upended by the arrival of Klara, a determined and independent woman hired to boost sales. Their initial interactions are fraught with animosity, fueled by petty squabbles, professional jealousy, and clashing personalities. They constantly bicker, trade barbs, and generally make each other's lives miserable.

Unbeknownst to them, both Kralik and Klara are engaged in anonymous pen-pal relationships, responding to personal ads in the local newspaper. Kralik, responding to an ad seeking someone to share intellectual and emotional intimacy, finds himself captivated by the letters he receives from his unknown correspondent. Similarly, Klara pours her heart out in her letters, finding solace and understanding in her anonymous pen pal. The irony, of course, is that they are writing to each other, expressing their deepest desires and vulnerabilities to the very person they seemingly despise in real life.

The plot thickens when Kralik is wrongly accused of having an affair with Mrs. Matuschek, the shop owner's wife. This leads to his dismissal and a period of profound despair. Meanwhile, Klara anxiously awaits the arrival of her pen pal, whom she is scheduled to meet on Christmas Eve. The climax of the film occurs when Kralik, having discovered that Klara is his beloved correspondent, attends the rendezvous, feigning illness to observe her reaction. This sets the stage for a heartwarming and ultimately satisfying resolution, as Klara finally realizes the true identity of her pen pal and the depth of Kralik's affection.

Characters: Depth Beyond the Surface

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its well-developed and relatable characters. Kralik and Klara are not simply archetypes; they are complex individuals with their own insecurities, aspirations, and vulnerabilities.

Alfred Kralik (James Stewart)

Stewart delivers a nuanced performance as Kralik, portraying him as a man of quiet dignity, intelligence, and hidden romanticism. Kralik is initially presented as a somewhat reserved and cautious individual, content with his position at the shop and hesitant to take risks. However, his correspondence with his anonymous pen pal reveals a longing for deeper connection and a desire for intellectual stimulation. Stewart masterfully conveys Kralik's inner turmoil, his hurt at being wrongly accused, and his eventual joy at discovering the true identity of his beloved.

Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan)

Sullavan shines as Klara, a strong-willed and independent woman who refuses to be intimidated by the male-dominated environment of the shop. Klara is portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and fiercely protective of her own emotions. Her initial animosity towards Kralik stems from a desire to prove herself and to secure her position at the shop. However, her letters reveal a softer, more vulnerable side, a yearning for love and understanding. Sullavan's performance captures Klara's complexity, her strength, and her eventual surrender to love.

Mr. Matuschek (Frank Morgan)

Morgan delivers a heartbreaking performance as Mr. Matuschek, the shop owner who is driven to despair by his wife's infidelity. Matuschek is initially presented as a stern and demanding boss, but as the story unfolds, his vulnerability and loneliness are revealed. Morgan's portrayal of Matuschek's emotional breakdown is particularly poignant, highlighting the film's exploration of human suffering and the importance of empathy.

Pirovitch (Felix Bressart)

Bressart provides comic relief as Pirovitch, Kralik's loyal and supportive colleague. Pirovitch serves as a confidant and advisor to Kralik, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. His warmhearted nature and unwavering friendship add depth and humor to the film.

Direction: The Lubitsch Touch

Ernst Lubitsch's direction is masterful, characterized by his signature "Lubitsch touch," a subtle and sophisticated style that relies on suggestion, implication, and witty dialogue rather than overt displays of emotion. Lubitsch excels at creating a world of charm and elegance, even within the confines of a seemingly ordinary gift shop. He uses clever camera angles, subtle gestures, and nuanced performances to convey the characters' inner thoughts and feelings. The film's pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect balance between comedy, drama, and romance.

Lubitsch's genius lies in his ability to elevate the mundane to the sublime. He transforms the everyday interactions of shop employees into moments of profound emotional resonance. He understands the power of suggestion, leaving much unsaid and trusting the audience to fill in the gaps. This approach allows the film to resonate on multiple levels, appealing to both the intellect and the emotions.

Cinematography: A Visual Feast

The cinematography by William H. Daniels is visually stunning, creating a rich and atmospheric world. Daniels uses light and shadow to create mood and to highlight the characters' emotions. The film's interiors are warm and inviting, while the exterior shots of Budapest capture the city's charm and elegance. The use of close-ups is particularly effective in conveying the characters' inner thoughts and feelings.

The film's visual style is understated but effective, complementing Lubitsch's subtle direction. Daniels's cinematography contributes significantly to the film's overall atmosphere of charm, sophistication, and emotional depth.

Performances: A Symphony of Talent

The performances in The Shop Around the Corner are uniformly excellent, showcasing the talents of a stellar cast. James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan deliver career-defining performances, capturing the complexities and nuances of their characters with remarkable skill. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, making their eventual romance all the more believable and satisfying. Frank Morgan's portrayal of Mr. Matuschek is heartbreaking and unforgettable, while Felix Bressart provides much-needed comic relief. The supporting cast is equally strong, contributing to the film's overall sense of authenticity and charm.

The actors' performances are perfectly attuned to Lubitsch's direction, embracing his subtle and sophisticated style. They convey their characters' emotions with nuance and restraint, allowing the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.

Themes and Messages: Exploring the Human Condition

The Shop Around the Corner explores several universal themes, including:

• The Power of Human Connection: The film emphasizes the importance of human connection and the need for meaningful relationships. Kralik and Klara both find solace and understanding in their anonymous correspondence, highlighting the power of shared experiences and emotional intimacy.
• The Illusion of First Impressions: The film challenges the notion that first impressions are always accurate. Kralik and Klara initially dislike each other, but as they get to know each other through their letters, they discover hidden depths and unexpected similarities.
• The Importance of Empathy: The film underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in human relationships. Mr. Matuschek's emotional breakdown highlights the need to be compassionate towards others, even when they are difficult to understand.
• The Transformative Power of Love: The film celebrates the transformative power of love, showing how it can heal wounds, bridge divides, and bring joy to even the most jaded hearts.
• Loneliness and Isolation: The film touches upon the theme of loneliness, particularly through the characters of Mr. Matuschek and, to a lesser extent, Kralik and Klara before they connect. It subtly explores the feeling of isolation that can exist even within a bustling city and a busy workplace.

The film's message is ultimately one of hope and optimism. It suggests that even in the face of adversity, love and connection are possible, and that true happiness can be found in the most unexpected places.

Comparison to Other Films and Works

The Shop Around the Corner shares thematic similarities with other romantic comedies that explore the concept of mistaken identity and anonymous correspondence. One notable example is You've Got Mail (1998), which serves as a loose remake of Lubitsch's film, updating the story for the digital age. While You've Got Mail captures some of the charm and wit of the original, it lacks the subtlety and emotional depth of The Shop Around the Corner.

In terms of Lubitsch's other works, The Shop Around the Corner is often considered one of his finest achievements. It showcases his signature "Lubitsch touch" at its best, combining wit, elegance, and emotional depth in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Other notable Lubitsch films include Ninotchka (1939) and To Be or Not to Be (1942), which also explore themes of love, identity, and deception with his characteristic style.

James Stewart's performance in *The Shop Around the Corner* can be compared to his other roles in classic films such as *It's a Wonderful Life* and *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*. In all these films, Stewart portrays characters who are fundamentally decent and honest, but who are also capable of great emotional depth and vulnerability. Margaret Sullavan, similarly, brings a strength and independence to her roles that can be seen across her filmography, making her a compelling and relatable figure.

Positive Aspects

The Shop Around the Corner boasts numerous positive aspects:

• Witty and Engaging Dialogue: The film's dialogue is sharp, clever, and often hilarious, contributing significantly to its overall charm.
• Well-Developed Characters: The characters are complex, relatable, and emotionally resonant, making them easy to connect with.
• Masterful Direction: Ernst Lubitsch's direction is subtle, sophisticated, and perfectly attuned to the film's tone and themes.
• Excellent Performances: The cast delivers uniformly excellent performances, bringing the characters to life with skill and nuance.
• Timeless Themes: The film explores universal themes of love, connection, and empathy that continue to resonate with audiences today.
• Charming Atmosphere: The film creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, transporting viewers to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.

Constructive Criticism

While The Shop Around the Corner is a near-perfect film, it is not without its minor flaws:

• Pacing in the Middle Section: The middle section of the film, particularly after Kralik's dismissal, can feel slightly slow-paced compared to the more dynamic beginning and end. While this allows for character development and emotional exploration, some viewers might find it less engaging.
• Simplified Resolution: While the ending is satisfying, some might argue that the resolution of Klara's realization of Kralik's identity is somewhat rushed. A more gradual and nuanced reveal could have added even more emotional impact.
• Limited Exploration of Societal Context: The film focuses primarily on the interpersonal relationships of the characters and doesn't delve deeply into the broader societal context of Budapest in the late 1930s. While this is not necessarily a flaw, exploring the historical backdrop more fully could have added another layer of depth to the film.

Conclusion

The Shop Around the Corner is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its wit, charm, and emotional depth. Ernst Lubitsch's masterful direction, coupled with stellar performances from James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, creates a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Its exploration of universal themes of love, connection, and empathy makes it a film that resonates with viewers of all ages. Despite its minor flaws, The Shop Around the Corner remains a shining example of classic cinema at its finest.

Rating: 9.5/10