Lubitsch Films

 Ninotchka (1939) Lubitsch Garbo shines as a hard-line communist ''Ninotchka' seduced by Paris and wealthy lawyer Melvyn Douglas. The main attraction is Garbo who looks stunning and shows some genuine comic timing. The problem is Melvyn Douglas who simply doesn't have the charisma or comic timing to hold his own - thereby sinking several scenes. The script is clever/witty & the direction good, but the movie goes way past it natural ending.of Garbo forsaking communism and turning human. The movie simply hangs around for another 30 minutes as Garbo goes back to Moscow and returns. Note: while labeled "anti-communist" Ninotchka's jabs at the USSR are mild and harmless. A more truthful satire could not been made in 1939. Summary: Garbo's great - but the movie isn't. Rating **1/2

To be or Not to Be (1942) Lubitsch J ack Benny and Carol Lombard star as actors in a Nazi occupied Warsaw trying to stop a German Spy. An odd mix of farce, propaganda and suspense highlighted by a brilliant last 40 minutes. After a mildly humorous 20 minute set up of the main characters, war begins, Warsaw falls, and the movie turns serious. Benny disappears for almost 35 minutes as we follow Robert Stack and Lombard in their effort to track down and kill a German spy. An hour in, Benny returns and the movie turns farcical as he impersonates a German Spy and they escape from Poland. Lombard looks great but plays it straight, while Benny is merely adequate as the lead. The writing, direction, and supporting actors are the highlights of the movie. Summary: Others rate it higher than me. The serious part goes on too long and is mediocre. And Jack Benny (a great radio comedian) is a mediocre comedic actor – too bad John Barrymore or Bob Hope weren’t available. Rating ***

 Heaven can wait (1943) Lubitsch A surprisingly dull comedy starring Don Ameche. Told in flash-backs, a womanizer tells his life-story to the Devil. While Lubitsch directs with his usual taste and flair, the sleepy Ameche and the story - are too dull and bland. The leaden pace and 112 minute run time doesn't help. Gene Tierney and Charles Coburn add some life - but they can't overcome a mediocre script. Summary: A tedious misfire by Lubitsch.. Rating **1/2