This acclaimed musical falls far short, in my estimation, of several other contemporary films in the same genre starring Maurice Chevalier and/or Jeanette MacDonald, such as 'The Smiling Lieutenant', 'Naughty Marietta' and 'The Love Parade'. I found it narratively disjointed and lacking in artistic unity; the action proceeds in fit and starts, and at times the director, Rouben Mamoulian, seems unsure how to construct or energise scenes. Lacking the comic touch of a Lubitsch, he employs many styles of comic staging, which don't always knit together. Finally, while there is a great deal of rhyming dialogue in the film, it has comparatively few big musical numbers. 'Isn't It Romantic' is probably the only genuine hit. This review may sound too negative, but with so much hype around the film, its shortcomings need to be discussed.
On the plus side, it is a lavish production, and the film's stars are great talents. (Myrna Loy is a terrific foil to the main love interest, but her part is sadly underdeveloped in the script.) The opening sound sequence, incorporating actual shots of a nearly deserted, early-morning Paris, is a sparkling introduction. Alas, it is probably the best thing in the movie. Some of the dissolve and dual-image photography also delivers memorable images, that suggest a forward-looking creative spirit. At other times, in film-making terms, the production seems old fashioned and tired even for its day (1932).
On the plus side, it is a lavish production, and the film's stars are great talents. (Myrna Loy is a terrific foil to the main love interest, but her part is sadly underdeveloped in the script.) The opening sound sequence, incorporating actual shots of a nearly deserted, early-morning Paris, is a sparkling introduction. Alas, it is probably the best thing in the movie. Some of the dissolve and dual-image photography also delivers memorable images, that suggest a forward-looking creative spirit. At other times, in film-making terms, the production seems old fashioned and tired even for its day (1932).