The Smiling Lieutenant

The Smiling Lieutenant is a lively, pre-Code romantic musical from 1931, directed by Ernst Lubitsch and considered one of his finest early works. Starring Maurice Chevalier, Claudette Colbert, and Miriam Hopkins, the movie is a charming representation of the complexity of human relationships, enveloped in humor and musicality.

Maurice Chevalier stars as Niki, the incredibly charismatic and chivalrous lieutenant of the small European country of Flausenthurm. Despite operating in a regimented professional environment, Niki maintains an irresistible aura of joviality that induces warmth. His effortless charm and infectious smile serve as a backbone of his identity, giving the film's title a personable flair. Known for his captivating performances in the era, Chevalier embodies Niki’s character to perfection, making the audience fall in love with his debonair persona.

Opposite Chevalier, Claudette Colbert and Miriam Hopkins portray two incredibly contrasting, yet equally compelling characters. Colbert plays Franzi, a vivacious and streetwise orchestra leader, and Niki’s love interest. Franzi’s bold persona and Niki’s buoyant charm create an electrifying chemistry indicative of a passionate romantic relationship.

On the other end of the spectrum is Hopkins’ character, Princess Anna, the naïve and innocent daughter of the King of Flausenthurm. Unlike Franzi, Princess Anna's character embodies the sheltered, upper-class sensibilities of the time. Hopkins remarkably clever portrayal of unique concoction of innocence and sophistication, offers a fantastic foil to cocky Lieutenant and lively Franzi.

The narrative unravels as Niki’s romantic interplay between the vivacious Franzi and the earnest Princess Anna advances. A seemingly innocent smile, meant for Franzi but intercepted by Princess Anna, sets a series of comedic and romantic events in motion. This comedic misunderstanding spins the tale into a fascinating love triangle filled with contemporary humor, Lubitsch's famous 'touch', heartfelt performances, and, of course, enchanting music.

Music exists as a key component in propelling the narrative forward in The Smiling Lieutenant. True to Lubitsch's form, the film incorporates an enchanting blend of original songs and classical music. Composed by Oscar Straus, the score synergizes with Lubitsch's direction to introduce a new dimension of storytelling, transforming occasional songs into a narrative device. The peppy tunes and lyrical drama emphasize the emotional aspects of the narrative, making the story more engaging. Especially memorable are the numbers like “Jazz Up Your Lingerie” and "Toujours l'Amour in the Army," which handily showcase the humorous and playful demeanour that's central to the film.

The movie is a testament to Lubitsch's mastery over setting up hilarious situations within a complicated narrative framework. His craftsmanship in the film industry is evident in the way he smoothly transitions from humorous to emotional moments without losing the semblance of the storyline. Moreover, the manner in which Lubitsch handles the complexities of love and relationships reflects an acute understanding of human emotions.

The Smiling Lieutenant is an exquisite blend of smart dialogue, charming characterizations, and ingenious direction that creates a cinematic experience vivid with joviality, mischief but also a touch of melancholy. It unabashedly showcases pre-Code Hollywood's daring sensibilities, nimbly addressing subjects that would later become viewed as too scandalous. From the costume design to the set settings, every aspect of the production reeks of authenticity, making it a representative specimen of films from early Hollywood.

In short, The Smiling Lieutenant is a delightful, musically-charged romantic comedy that brilliantly illustrates the entanglements of love and the often humorous misunderstandings that ensue. It stands the test of time, remaining enjoyable to watch even today. Its vibrancy, sentimentality, and brilliant cast performances make it a must-see for any classic Hollywood cinephile or anyone in love with the golden age of cinema.