THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940)

Film of the Day #232 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #11

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER
1940 • Ernst Lubitsch

Cast: James Stewart, Margaret Sullivan, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut, Felix Bressart, Sara Haden, William Tracy, Inez Courtney, Charles Halton, Charles Smith
Screenplay: Samson Raphaelson; Based on Parfumerie/Illatszertár 1937 play by Miklós László
Cinematography: William H. Daniels
Music: Werner R. Heymann
Producer: Ernst Lubitsch

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Oh, my Dear Friend, my heart was trembling as I walked into the post office, and there you were, lying in Box 237. I took you out of your envelope and read you, read you right there.

Set against the festive backdrop of Christmas in Budapest, The Shop Around the Corner introduces us to Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan) and Alfred Kralik (James Stewart), two employees at Matuschek and Company, a quaint and bustling leather goods store. The film starts off with a seemingly typical workplace dynamic, where Klara and Alfred share a mutual disdain for each other, fueled by their competitive spirit and constant bickering. The intriguing twist in the story comes when both Klara and Alfred are revealed to be secret pen pals, engaged in a romantic correspondence with someone they have never met. Unbeknownst to them, they are each other's anonymous confidantes, sharing their hopes, dreams, and affections through heartfelt letters, but in their everyday lives, they can barely stand to be in the same room. As the story unfolds, the audience is treated to a delightful exploration of the contrast between their written expressions of love and the animosity that characterizes their face-to-face interactions. The Shop Around the Corner is a romantic comedy that offers viewers a charming story that goes beyond the surface of love and hate.

I have often said that I hate romantic comedies. I feel they are formulaic, dull, and predictable. Furthermore, they give both men and women unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships. The exception to this rule, of course, is any romantic comedy made before 1950. This was a time when they weren't formulaic (well, maybe a little), the characters were fleshed out and developed, the stories were tight and well-scripted, and, of course, the two leads were incredibly charming. The Shop Around the Corner is a romantic comedy, plain and simple. In a holiday season often saturated with terrible Hallmark Christmas rom-coms that often lack depth and substance, this 1940 gem shines brightly.

What sets this film apart from its contemporary counterparts is its ability to intertwine genuine charm with a well-crafted narrative. It thrives on the complexity of its characters and the depth of their emotions. Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart bring a level of charisma that modern romantic leads often lack. Sure, the film takes place during the holidays, but it's not your typical Christmas movie filled with clichés and sentimentality. Instead, it uses the festive backdrop to enhance the charm, making it a heartwarming experience without relying on the trappings of holiday-themed plots.

The ensemble cast is a treasure trove of character actors, each contributing to the film's timeless appeal. William Tracy, in the role of Pepi, steals scenes with his delightful portrayal, bringing sharp comic relief that injects the movie with an irresistible charm. His comedic timing and expressive delivery make Pepi a memorable and endearing presence. Oscar winner Joseph Schildkraut oozes with sleaze as Mr. Vadas. Frank Morgan, most famously known as the Great and Powerful Oz, is the titular shop’s owner, Mr. Matuschek, brings a grandfatherly presence to the film, but also a gravitas when his heart is broken.

The two leads, Margaret Sullivan and Jimmy Stewart deliver equally charming performances that anchor the film. Sullivan, tasked with portraying a character who is slightly desperate and neurotic yet undeniably charming and attractive, excels here. Her performance is a delicate balance of vulnerability and charisma, making her character relatable and endearing. However, it is in the hands of Jimmy Stewart, that the movie finds its true heartbeat. Stewart's portrayal is a masterclass in acting, balancing comedy and his trademark everyman qualities, where every expression, and every line delivery, contributes to the film's beauty, humor, and touching moments. His on-screen presence elevates the entire film.

Central to the heart of the film is an exploration of the fear of solitude. In Ernst Lubitsch’s hands, the shop is more than just a workplace; it becomes a haven where individuals find solace and camaraderie, forming a surrogate family. Employees navigate their lives within this microcosm where shared moments, laughter, and even disagreements forge bonds that transcend the professional realm. The boss's wife, an unseen character that nevertheless has a huge impact on the story, serves as an example of a traditional family connection that isn’t as ideal as one would hope.

As the Christmas season unfolds, Lubitsch ensures that the theme of togetherness and the fear of solitude takes center stage. On Christmas night, as the characters leave the shop, the fear of facing solitude is gently dispelled. The bonds forged within the shop extend beyond the workplace, ensuring that no one is left to confront the loneliness of the holiday season alone. The Christmas setting underscores the importance of shared joy and camaraderie during a time often marked by familial gatherings. Lubitsch crafts a beautifully romantic ending that encapsulates this.

The Shop Around the Corner was remade as In the Good Old Summertime in 1949 and You've Got Mail in 1998. In the Good Old Summertime is very good, capturing the magic of its predecessor with Judy Garland and Van Johnson in the lead roles. The film retains the charm, wit, and genuine emotion of the original, providing a delightful viewing experience. On the other hand, You've Got Mail, with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, falls short of capturing the same enchantment. Despite the undeniable charisma of its leads, the film struggles to recapture the authenticity and depth that made the original so memorable.

Psychologically, I'm very confused... But personally, I don't feel bad at all.

Notable Awards & Accomplishments

• National Board of Review Award Winner: Best Acting - James Stewart

• National Film Registry: Inducted in 1999

• Ranked #28 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions

Streaming: MAX
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD