This is Ernst Lubitsch's first sound film and technically speaking, it's amazing. While the sound technology of the time was VERY primitive, Lubitsch was able to make the first really modern looking musical--with natural movements and a story that is NOT just another Gold Diggers sort of extravaganza (quite the rage at the time). Reading through the trivia on IMDb, I saw that it was the first or among the first musicals to be filmed this way--and that this was done by ignoring the speakers and re-dubbing the film after it was completed! All I know is that compared to other musicals of the day, it stands up very, very well---even if the singing of Jeanette MacDonald (in her first film) is a bit dated stylistically.
"The Love Parade" starts out with a wonderfully clever scene that illustrates what a cool and confident lover Maurice Chevalier plays in this film. I could say more about it, but really think you need to see it. Chevalier's antics in Paris cause some problems with officials from his home country, Sylvania, and he is ordered back home to answer for his sexual shenanigans. However, instead of being punished, he meets the Queen (MacDonald) and the two soon fall in love--complete with LOTS of singing.
Considering how pretty and sweet MacDonald is, you'd think that Chevalier would be ecstatic when they marry. Well, that is NOT the case at all as he has nothing to do and no power. In essence, he's like a royal trophy husband. And, to make matters worse, MacDonald does just about everything she can to keep him emasculated. So, it's not at all a surprise when he walks. Can their love be rekindled or are they destined for separate lives?
I will freely admit that this is not a perfect film or even close to it if you compare it to modern films---or even musicals from just a few years later. However, for 1929, it's just about perfect--exceptional in every way. So, if you can understand and appreciate the groundbreaking nature of the film, you'll no doubt enjoy it. Though, you will wonder why the Queen and her Consort have such amazingly different accents considering they both are Sylvanians!
I noticed that Lupino Lane played Chevalier's funny butler. He did a great job in the film and it's one of the small number of sound films in which he appeared. Believe it or not, he was a prolific silent comedian--and a very funny one. You get a hint of this in the VERY physical song he and the maid perform at 65 minutes into the movie. I have seen him in a few of his silent films and can recommend you see one if you get the chance. In addition, silent comic Ben Turpin also makes a short cameo appearance.
"The Love Parade" starts out with a wonderfully clever scene that illustrates what a cool and confident lover Maurice Chevalier plays in this film. I could say more about it, but really think you need to see it. Chevalier's antics in Paris cause some problems with officials from his home country, Sylvania, and he is ordered back home to answer for his sexual shenanigans. However, instead of being punished, he meets the Queen (MacDonald) and the two soon fall in love--complete with LOTS of singing.
Considering how pretty and sweet MacDonald is, you'd think that Chevalier would be ecstatic when they marry. Well, that is NOT the case at all as he has nothing to do and no power. In essence, he's like a royal trophy husband. And, to make matters worse, MacDonald does just about everything she can to keep him emasculated. So, it's not at all a surprise when he walks. Can their love be rekindled or are they destined for separate lives?
I will freely admit that this is not a perfect film or even close to it if you compare it to modern films---or even musicals from just a few years later. However, for 1929, it's just about perfect--exceptional in every way. So, if you can understand and appreciate the groundbreaking nature of the film, you'll no doubt enjoy it. Though, you will wonder why the Queen and her Consort have such amazingly different accents considering they both are Sylvanians!
I noticed that Lupino Lane played Chevalier's funny butler. He did a great job in the film and it's one of the small number of sound films in which he appeared. Believe it or not, he was a prolific silent comedian--and a very funny one. You get a hint of this in the VERY physical song he and the maid perform at 65 minutes into the movie. I have seen him in a few of his silent films and can recommend you see one if you get the chance. In addition, silent comic Ben Turpin also makes a short cameo appearance.