The Smiling Lieutenant, 1931 - ★★★★½

Completely immoral but so darn charming! Lubitsch, you dog! His direction shows maturity and even foresight, such as the way he uses musical montage in the infamous “Jazz Up Your Lingerie” number (yes, this is very pre-Code) to show transformation over time. And pay attention to the way the pacing slows and the camera dwells on the moments of heightened emotion. This is so much fun, done so well. And the star power—Chevalier, of course, but both Colbert and Hopkins bring their A game. Between this and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this was really Miriam Hopkins’s year.

Proper Review
Oct 10th 2021
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