Film Forum

(1940) “Psychologically, I’m confused… But personally I don’t feel bad at all.” In Frank Morgan’s Budapest emporium, clerks James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan battle in person without realizing they’ve been carrying on a lonelyhearts romance by mail. 35mm. Approx. 97 min.

Reviews

“AN INSTANT CLASSIC. A story that doesn’t explicitly mention World War II yet creates an atmosphere of sorrow around the romantic farce.” 
– Eric Monder, Film Journal

“For a sample of [Lubitsch’s] style, you can’t do better.”
– The New York Times

“For my money, this is Lubitsch’s masterpiece, an immaculate conflation of his sprightly shooting style, expertly layered wisecracking and bracing realism, all topped off with a romantic subplot that offers a nakedly joyous celebration of young, serendipitous love.”
– Time Out

“Close to perfection – one of the most beautifully acted and paced romantic comedies.”
– Pauline Kael

“One of the greatest romantic comedies.”
– Philip French, The Guardian

“Twice remade (as the Judy Garland musical In the Good Old Summertime, then as the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan vehicle You’ve Got Mail), Lubitsch’s 1940 original is the real thing. It’s funny, touching and beautifully paced with numerous examples of the celebrated ‘Lubitsch touch.’”
– Philip French, The Observer

“There are no art deco nightclubs, shimmering silk gowns, or slamming bedroom doors to be seen, but this 1940 film is one of Lubitsch’s finest and most enduring works, a romantic comedy of dazzling range.”
– Dave Kehr