Trouble in Paradise (1932)

Trouble in Paradise
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
Written by Samson Raphaelson from a play by Aladar Lazlo
1932/US
Paramount Pictures
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/Criterion Channel
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Mariette Colet: Afraid I’m ruining your reputation, Monsieur La Valle?
Gaston Monescu: No, yours, madame.
Mariette Colet: Monsieur La Valle, I have a confession to make to you. You like me. In fact, you’re crazy about me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t think about my reputation. Isn’t that so? But, incidentally, I don’t like you. I don’t like you at all. And I wouldn’t hesitate one instant to ruin your reputation…

If you are going to do a love triangle, it should be with this panache, otherwise known as the “Lubitsch touch”.

The story begins in Venice.  Suave gentleman Gaston Monescu (Herbert Marshall) has invited Countess Lily (Miriam Hopkins) for dinner and possible seduction in his rooms. Before the dinner is over Lily and Gaston have discovered they are both con artists and thieves.  Their mutual admiration of their skills leads to love.

Time passes and the two are living together in Paris.  There they learn of Madame Mariette Colet (Kay Francis), a widow and perfume heiress. Gaston steals her extremely expensive evening bag.  She offers a generous reward, more than could be got from fencing the bag, so Gaston returns it to her.  The attraction is immediate and Mariette offers him a job as her secretary.  The two begin a delicious flirtation and seduction.  Gaston spends less and less time with Lily.  But Lily is not about to let him go without a fight.  With Edward Everett Horton and Charlie Ruggles as Mme Colet’s suitors and Robert Grieg as a butler.

This film exemplifies the “Lubitsch touch” with its sophisticated wit and tasteful sexuality. Kay Francis’ wardrobe and the art deco sets are also spectacular.  Kay is at her warmest and sexiest.  Well, everything about it is practically perfect.  A delight and highly recommended.

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