Customer Reviews

Ninotchka [VHS]

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4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

An expertly-played and presented comedy that continues to be dogged by detractors for the oddest reasons. Some feel NINOTCHKA suffers compared to Lubitsch's earlier work, finding it formulaic alongside 1933's TROUBLE IN PARADISE. (I hadn't known Lubitsch had been given 'do-what-thou-wilt' privileges from the Hays Office - I'd labored under the delusion he faced the same restrictions in content and tone every other moviemaker did in 1939.) Other nay-sayers decry the film's jabs at Soviet collectivism as 'dated' if not 'unenlightened'. (Huh? You mean show trials and forced starvation of kulaks were GOOD things that a truly witty screenplay would celebrate?) Still other kibitzers squawk over the casting, of all things! (While it IS fun to picture William Powell or Robert Montgomery in the role of Leon, the boulevardier, Melvyn Douglas was never better than he is here. If he has his spotty moments, it's in those scenes where he must swoon with ardor, reciting dialogue that rings a tad purple to the ear; it's quite possible Powell or Montgomery would have fared even worse reading those lines.) Okay, enough defensive posturing - now let's go to NINOTCHKA's numerous strengths. Garbo is magnificent; she has a real knack for comedy (her deadpan entrance is hilarious) yet, as always, is able to break your heart with a look, a word, a gesture. Her three 'stooges' (Sig Rumann, Alexander Granach & Felix Bressart) are broadly funny and genuinely endearing. Ina Claire is everything her legend always claimed she was - though her character is icily calculating, you can't hate any woman who can make dialogue bristle like this. Lubitsch is in complete command throughout; his staging and pacing of the proceedings masterful in its seeming effortlessness. Even the storied Metro glitz shines in NINOTCHKA, right down to the brilliant artifice of Cedric Gibbons' art direction (the Eiffel Tower sets especially). Last but not least is the superb screenplay by (among other hands) the team of Charles Brackett & Billy Wilder. Wisely, their satiric darts are dipped in a curare leavened by wit and sentiment, and while they are thrown with accuracy, their sting is never such that the satire sinks into the mire of political ideology. NINOTCHKA, after all, is about the triumph of love over politics, and to those who feel faint from the prevailing toilet-ethic of the Farrelly Brothers' blood-poisoning of modern comedy, represents a much-needed antidote. Inoculate yourself at your earliest opportunity.

Greta Garbo plays a stern-faced Soviet official ("Ninotchka") who arrives in Paris on business involving the sale of some extremely rare and valuable czarist jewels. But soon she discovers the magic of Paris and falls for a Frenchman named Leon D'Algout (played by Melvyn Douglas). But Ninotchka must now choose between love and duty to Russia, and she must also contend with another woman, the exiled Grand Duchess Swana (played by Ina Claire), who wants Leon for herself. Will Ninotchka and Leon's romance be able to survive against these obstacles? Watch and find out!

With a sharp, witty, and fast-paced script written by Billy Wilder, Charles Brakkett, and Walter Reisch, and a great supporting cast including Bela Lugosi (who plays a Soviet officer!!!), Sig Ruman, Felix Bressart, Alexander Granach, and Richard Carle, this very enjoyable Ernst Lubitsch comedy is still very entertaining after more than 65 years! While some of the dialogue is dated and corny and the film is a little too long, overall I highly recommend this classic, as well as "Comrade X", with Clark Gable and beautiful Hedy Lamarr, a film which I believe is very superior to "Ninotchka".

I saw this movie one rainy night at the Clatsop Community College campus in Astoria, Oregon. I've been in love with this movie ever since. Every successful romantic comedy made since this film was released in 1939 owes part of their success to it. Greta Garbo takes a break from her serious filmmaking career and plays a strong, yet reasonable Russian woman. Melvyn Douglas is perfect in his role as well. The consumate playboy, he sees Garbo on the streets of Paris and must have her. It's not that easy though. Ninotchka isn't in Paris for romance.

Combining these two characters with the surrounding cast, it's easily one of the best comedies ever made. The writing is intelligent, and everything about this film has stood the test of time.

I have this film on laserdisc, and am wondering what's the hold up on the DVD. I'm guessing it must be Garbo's estate. Hopefully there'll be some exciting extras on the title when it's finally released. (Like the great extras on the "Rebecca" laserdisc box set & dvd set from Criterion.)

In a documentary of the great Greta Garbo, one of her friends said that "Ninotchka" was the film that most reflected Garbo's personality. I never knew the lady herself but I do know that "Ninotchka" is a delightful, beautiful romantic comedy. The director is Ernst Lubitsch, and the famous "Lubitsch touch" is on display here.
Three Russian emissaries (Felix Bressart, Michael Iranoff, and Alexander Granach) are sent to Paris to sell some jewels, but they quickly become addicted to the Parisian's high-living life. Moscow finds out about the threesome's inefficient ways, so they send a senior emissary to straighten things out. This emissary, Nina Ivanovna Yakushova (aka Ninotchka) is of course played to perfection by Greta Garbo. Garbo as the stern Communist is hysterical -- the deadpan way she shakes her head at a ridiculous looking French hat reduced me to giggles. Soon Garbo meets Count Leon (Melvyn Douglas), a Parisian playboy. This leads to some priceless dialogue:

Ninotchka: I am interested only in the shortest distance between these two points. Must you flirt?
Leon: Well, I don't have to, but I find it natural.
Ninotchka: Suppress it!

Ninotchka: Your general appearance is not distasteful.
Leon: Thank you.
Ninotchka: The whites of your eyes are clear. Your cornea is excellent.
Leon: Your cornea is terrific. Ninotchka, tell me, you're so expert on things: can it be that I'm falling in love with you?
Ninotchka: Why must you bring in wrong values? Love is a romantic designation for a most ordinary biological - or, shall we say, chemical - process. A lot of nonsense is talked and written about it.
Leon: Oh I see. What do you use instead?
Ninotchka: I acknowledge the existence of a natural impulse common to all.
Leon: What can I possibly do to encourage such an impulse in you?
Ninotchka: You don't have to do a thing. Chemically, we're already quite sympathetic.

The script was written by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder. Douglas and the three Russian emissaries, as well as Ina Claire as Grand Duchess Swana (Count Leon's ex and Ninotchka's rival) are all wonderful. But this is Garbo's picture. She is simply hysterical. Her wonderfully deadpan way of delivering her lines will reduce you to giggles. Later on, she is radiant as she falls in love and gets drunk from champagne. If you ever want to know what Garbo was all about, watch Ninotchka. Her charisma, her humor, her charm, her magnificence are on full display.

Yet another yummy Ernst Lubitsch comedy, this time starring the often-dour Greta Garbo as a humorless Soviet agent who is seduced by Western materialism (and a dashing, jovial Melvyn Douglas) while on a mission in Paris. Some may find the film's political aspects to be dated -- but hey, that's totally the point! Lubitsch manages to lampoon both Stalin-era communism and the American stereotypes of the French (as libertine sensualists) all at one time... And while the Soviet state is roundly mocked, the plight of its people is not, so that Garbo's character is given her dignity and honor... as well as some swell close-ups and nice clothes! The best part of this film is her transformation from a robotic, literal-minded Party functionary into a fully-rounded human being... The scene in which Douglas tries to crack Ninotchka's icy facade, telling jokes and acting up in order to provoke a laugh or a smile, while she rebuffs his every overture in a clipped, chilly monotone, is one of Garbo's best performances, and a brilliant comedic stroke for Lubitsch. In effect, the manic, wisecracking Douglas is turned into a straight man for Garbo, whose minimalistic delivery controls the scene, in an almost Steven Wright-like manner. And, of course, the rest of the film is a delight as well. A fascinating, frivolous look at prewar European politics, and a real humdinger of a screwball comedy, with a clever, snappy script co-written by Billy Wilder. What's not to enjoy, comrade?

Ernst Lubitsch has made many wonderful films such as "To Be Or Not To Be", and "The Shop Around The Corner", and while I perfer those two over this one, this film definitely is not without it's own charm. I seriously don't think Lubitsch was capable of making a bad movie, even if he wanted too! He was a far too talented filmmaker! And this movie showcases his talents very well. Three russian agents ( Felix Bressart, Alexander Granach, and Sig Ruman) are sent to Paris in order to sell priceless jewels once owned by the grand dutchess (Ina Claire). When word gets to her about the agents, she immediately waits to get back her jewels. This all makes for a setup to introduce Ninotchka (The Great Greta Garbo. While I'm definitely too young to remember her when she was at her peak. I've always been aware of the famous name GARBO!) Once she arrives in Paris she is amazed at the way people live, she can't stop looking at the "wild" fashions she finds women wearing. She soon meets a man, Melvyn Douglas (Count Leon d' Algout) and they fall in love. Now, I don't want to give too much away, but, all I can say is, this is a wonderful "classic" comedy to watch that I'm willing to bet will please many movie lovers with it's warm charm ,wit, and Garbo! The movie was nominated for 4 Oscar and one for Garbo's performance which was rightly deserved, too bad she didn't win.

Fans of the great Greta Garbo argue over whether QUEEN CHRISTINA (1933) or CAMILLE (1936) has her finest performance. It is a tough call. How about a dead-heat tie and owning both film masterpieces on DVD? But no one considers what her most ENJOYABLE performance is, the film she seemed to have the most fun making. That would surely be Ernst Lubitsch's wonderful NINOTCHKA (1939, MGM). She gets to play two different roles, one serious drama and one lighthearted comedy under master Lubitsch's perfect touch. And she gets to say dialogue by masters Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, and Walter Reisch. I'd quote dialogue, but every line is just hilarious perfection.

We are mostly in Paris in 1939 as we meet three nutty Russian visitors (Felix Bressart, Alexander Granach, and Sig Rumann) checking into a fancy hotel, saying that is what Lenin would do. It doesn't seem to matter to the writers or Lubitsch why they are in Paris, only that it is some sort of secret mission that is moving too slowly and seems to involve stolen diamonds. The city holds too much glittering romance and wealth for the poor Russians to get their work done. Lubitsch has his trademark fascination with doors. We keep focusing on them closed and squeals inside. Watch the cigarette girl get great laughs behind a closed door, then bring two of her friends back with more trays and boxes! Just when you think the gag can't be topped, Lubitsch and his writers have Garbo's Ninotchka ask for a cigarette and three girls enter the suite. Ninotchka says, "Comrades, you must have been smoking a lot."

Ninotchka has been sent to Paris to find out why the mission is taking so long. The three Russians meet her at the train station, and she spends the next several reels in a cold and humorless vein, all business. ("The last mass trials were a great success. There will be fewer, but better Russians.") Soon Ninotchka meets one Leon (Melvyn Douglas at his very best under Lubitsch's magic touch) on a night street. She has a giant map and is looking for the Eiffel Tower. (Leon: "Good heavens, is that thing lost again?") She wants to know hardware facts and figures. Leon moves her fingers between the tower and where they are now on the map (Ninotchka: "I am only interested in the distance between two points. Must you flirt?""Well, I don't have to, but I enjoy it.""Suppress it.")

With a flawless blending of romance, drama, and comic wit, NINOTCHKA cuts back and forth between Ninotchka with Leon and with the three Russians, who become like a cheering chorus for the romance. Billed as the movie where "GARBO LAUGHS", that scene is a restaurant scene halfway through the 110 minute movie. From that point on, the movie can become a veritable screwball comedy with Ninotchka letting her hair down and enjoying the romance of Paris with Leon. She buys a funny hat she found hopeless before, opens windows to let in air, and spreads Communist doctrine in a women's powder room of a bar where Leon is chain drinking brandy. In a quintessential "Lubitsch touch" that may or may not be in the screenplay, Leon stands a drunk Ninotchka against a hotel suite wall with a blindfold, walks away, walks back and lifts up the blindfold to kiss her, puts it back over her face, then opens a champagne bottle to sound like rifle fire. Ninotchka falls to the floor.

NINOTCHKA is glorious entertainment, from darkest tragedy to most hilarious comedy, under a master director and with a fabulous script. The Swedish actress looks like she and Melvyn Douglas are having the time of their lives here, along with the three Russians, countess Ina Claire and, in a bit role, Bela Lugosi as a Russian official in Moscow. Buy the movie, either individually or as part of the wonderful GARBO Signature Collection boxed set.

So says the Parisian waiter to the stern Ninotchka (Greta Garbo) as she orders a plate of---well I guess it could pass for nouvelle cuisine in California today.

Meanwhile Count Leon (Melvyn Douglas) smitten hopelessly with 'my beautiful, barbaric Ninotchka' attempts to convince her that he dines at this 'worker's proleteriat' restaurant every day, and worse, tries to make her lsugh by telling her a lame joke about two Scotsmen. Am I getting to complicated? No matter, this scene, like every other scene in this film, is funny, witty, urbane and has a wonderfull pay-off at the end.
NINOTCHKA is THE archetype of the romantic screwball comedies.

The best.--and Garbo's only comedy.

Lubitsch's masterpiece (I'd give 'To Be or not To Be' a close second place) is delicious fun all the way through.

Greta Garbo spoofs communism, French sophisticates, the eternal war of the sexes, but most of all, she spoofs the screen personna of Greta Garbo.

One can tell that she had a blast playing counter to type--no melodramatic semitragic heroines here, it's pure wit and laughs. A fast and crazy ride, as the idealistic Ninotchka falls in love.

Among the writing credits you might notice a recent emigre to America: Billy Wilder.

See it with someone you love. And if you start to get carried away, 'Suppress it'

The magic touch of director Ernst Lubitsch is all over this classic romantic comedy, Greta Garbo's second-last film, about an icy Russian Communist agent sent on business to the fair city of Paris, but who ends up falling hook line and sinker for the decadent delights that only Paris can provide.

Ninotchka (Greta Garbo) is an uptight model of Communism in action. Her gradual transformation from rigid reformist to carefree Parisian socialite is a delight to behold. The script (by Billy Wilder, Charles Bracket and Walter Reisch) is crisp and filled with sparkle and wit. Greta Garbo, in her only Hollywood comedy role (if you don't count the disastrous TWO FACED WOMAN), glows. After years of being typecast in dramatic and (often) melodramatic roles. NINOTCHKA allowed Garbo to play both comedy and drama, as her character evolves during the story. Garbo's longtime costume designer Adrian decked Garbo out in some of her most beautiful gowns, and the score by Werner R. Heymann is outstanding. With Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire, Bela Lugosi, Sig Ruman and Felix Bressart.

Warner's new DVD (part of the Greta Garbo Signature Collection) sadly skimps in the extra features department (only the trailer is included), but for fans of the film, and collectors of the Hollywood classics, this disc is a good purchase.

In a switch of roles, as opposed to playing the tragic love-interest in most of her films, here Garbo portrays a Russian agent who falls in love with a dashing man of the western world(Melvyn Douglas). This film has brilliant dialogue(Billy Wilder scripted),great storyline; is charming, sweet, and very fun to watch.Even more surprising than Garbo in a comedic role is the appearence of Bela Lugosi in a non-horror role in which he is fantastic.One of Garbo's greatest films.