tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post1200256562390984930..comments2024-02-05T21:23:49.249-08:00Comments on Lady Eve's Reel Life: Ernst Lubitsch does Noel Coward: Design for Living (1933)The Lady Evehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-78430611096539702242012-03-29T20:04:52.695-07:002012-03-29T20:04:52.695-07:00Eve,
This is one of the most witty, mischievous, s...Eve,<br />This is one of the most witty, mischievous, sophisticated and daring of pre-code films. Ménage-a-trios, adultery, shades of bisexuality are all stated or at least implied. I do agree with you about Cooper, "he sometimes seems awkward." Hopkins, as you say, "commands the screen," a woman ahead of her time. This is romantic comedy the way it should be. Extremely enjoyable write up here!!!<br /><br />John GrecoJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808503055317962289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-70144591846624551402012-03-24T06:41:05.440-07:002012-03-24T06:41:05.440-07:00Thanks, Dawn, if you are a fan of pre-Code films, ...Thanks, Dawn, if you are a fan of pre-Code films, you'll like "Design for Living"...The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-80504486292776583512012-03-24T04:36:44.630-07:002012-03-24T04:36:44.630-07:00I always enjoy reading your wonderful reviews, Eve...I always enjoy reading your wonderful reviews, Eve! I'm a huge fan of March, Cooper and Hopkins and I'm very suprised that have not seen this movie! I'm sorry I missed participating in this blogathon.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476174860119487509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-68819840157685398282012-03-23T23:09:29.672-07:002012-03-23T23:09:29.672-07:00Hi Jill - Great blogathon - I enjoyed being a part...Hi Jill - Great blogathon - I enjoyed being a part of your sensational tribute to an unsung master, Fredric March - bravo!The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-964384899714539682012-03-23T22:18:11.654-07:002012-03-23T22:18:11.654-07:00I haven't made my comment rounds at my site ye...I haven't made my comment rounds at my site yet, but thought I would come over here first. <br /><br />Eve, thank you so much for your wonderful insights on one of my favorite films. I have to agree with you about Douglas Fairbanks Jr.-- I think he would've been a better choice than Cooper. <br /><br />Oh, what could have been...Jill (Kittenbiscuits)http://www.sittinonbackyardfence.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-85300028886626030272012-03-23T20:58:59.125-07:002012-03-23T20:58:59.125-07:00'Gypsy - I wasn't sure about "Design ...'Gypsy - I wasn't sure about "Design for Living" the first time around but warmed to it on second viewing. It is a bit of a surprise, as are so many pre-Code films, in its 'modernity.' However, I can't help thinking Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., would've been a superior George. I haven't seen the stage play, but would love to - would be interesting to compare Coward's original with the Lubitsch/Hecht adaptation. I prefer "Meet John Doe" to "Mr. Deeds" - primarily because I'm a fan of Barbara Stanwyck but not Jean Arthur (her voice grates). It seems Gary Cooper had exceptional chemistry with many of his leading ladies (she said with a sly wink)...The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-16617641337409611262012-03-23T14:19:12.405-07:002012-03-23T14:19:12.405-07:00Eve, I commented on your post a "Sittin' ...Eve, I commented on your post a "Sittin' On A Backyard Fence", but I thought I would include it here. I’m sorry I missed your post yesterday, but it is certainly worth the wait. I saw “Design for Living” several years ago, and I recall being fascinated by the implications of this risqué trio, but I can’t help wonder how much more frankly the stage version depicted the relationships. Your reference to the inevitable end for these women, a few short months later, had me in stitches (shades of Kate Chopin and Charlotte Perkins Gilman). I share the same feeling regarding Miriam Hopkins and her later films, but I find her delightful in the pre-code film roles. My favorite Gary Cooper films, “Meet John Doe” and “Mr. Deeds Goes To Town”, are due in part because of the actor’s chemistry with his leading lady. He works well with both Fredric March and Miriam Hopkins, but like you, I can’t help but wonder what Doug Fairbanks, Jr. would have done with the role.whistlingypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06126688373252306609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-79900092886216584962012-03-22T21:14:24.509-07:002012-03-22T21:14:24.509-07:00Thanks, Beck, and I hope you have a chance to see ...Thanks, Beck, and I hope you have a chance to see "Design for Living" soon.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-73810340816678432772012-03-22T12:20:37.317-07:002012-03-22T12:20:37.317-07:00Just read and commented on your review at the othe...Just read and commented on your review at the other site, Eve. Great stuff!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.com