The Smiling Lieutenant
| The Smiling Lieutenant | |
|---|---|
theatrical poster
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| Directed by | Ernst Lubitsch |
| Produced by | Ernst Lubitsch |
| Written by |
Screenplay: Samson Raphaelson Ernest Vajda Uncredited: Ernst Lubitsch French dialogue: Jacques Bataille-Henri |
| Based on |
Novel: Nux der Prinzgemahl (1905) Hans Müller-Einigen Operetta: Ein Walzertraum (1907) Leopold Jacobson Felix Dörmann |
| Starring |
Maurice Chevalier Claudette Colbert Miriam Hopkins |
| Music by |
Composer: Oscar Straus Musical Director: Adolph Deutsch (uncredited) |
| Cinematography | George J. Folsey |
| Edited by | Merrill G. White |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
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Release date
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August 1, 1931 (US) |
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Running time
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89 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Smiling Lieutenant is a 1931 American Pre-Code musical comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert, and released by Paramount Pictures.
Made in the Pre-Code era, it was written by Samson Raphaelson and Ernest Vajda, from the operetta Ein Walzertraum by Oscar Straus, with libretto by Leopold Jacobson and Felix Dörmann, which in turn was based on the novel Nux, der Prinzgemahl ("Nux the Prince Consort") by Hans Müller-Einigen. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. This was the first of three films directed by Lubitsch and starring Miriam Hopkins. The other two were Trouble in Paradise and Design for Living.
In Vienna, Lieutenant Nikolaus "Niki" von Preyn (Maurice Chevalier) meets Franzi (Claudette Colbert), the leader of an all-female-orchestra. They soon fall in love with each other. While standing in formation before a parade honoring the visiting royal family of Flausenthurm, Niki takes the opportunity to wink at Franzi in the crowd. Unfortunately the gesture is intercepted by Anna, the Princess of Flausenthurm (Miriam Hopkins). The naive Princess assumes offense, leading the lieutenant to convince her that he slighted her because she is thought to be very beautiful. Besotted, the Princess demands she has to marry the lieutenant, or, she'll marry an American instead. The international incident is narrowly averted by having them get married.
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