Rendez-vous

Rather more humorous than madcap, The Shop Around the Corner is a sophisticated comedy about crooged legs and the healing effects of capitalism. With leather on the market and getting on each other’s nerves, Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart are well supported by the titular shop. After the rib-tickling Ninotchka, I unreasonably expected another whirlwind of indecorous humour. Director Ernst Lubitsch slowed the pace and clogged the non-comedic parts of the film with sentiment. And therein lies the problem. It is difficult to sympathise with characters set in a world that serves well for a wacky comedy, but does succeed in providing a foundation for melodrama. The impression is enhanced by the final shot, which charmingly casts off all of the seriousness. 75% (20/04/2020)

Charmingly old-fashioned, built primarily on great dialogue and the working chemistry of the central duo. Unfortunately, with a non-existent plot and a very naive play on Hungary. Here, for example, a move to New York would not do any harm at all. (12/11/2010)