Back

Ernst Lubitsch

Born 1892-01-28

Ernst Lubitsch (January 29, 1892 – November 30, 1947) was a German film director, producer, writer, and actor. His urbane comedies of manners gave him the reputation of being Hollywood's most elegant and sophisticated director; as his prestige grew, his films were promoted as having "the Lubitsch touch". Lubitsch is best known for screwball comedies and romantic comedies, such as Trouble in Paradise (1932), Ninotchka (1939), The Shop Around the Corner (1940) and To Be or Not to Be (1942). While being escapist, his films often offer social commentary on human relationships and society in a satirical way. Andrew Sarris in his influential book of film criticism The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929–1968 included him in the "pantheon" of the 14 greatest film directors who had worked in the United States.

Known for

To Be or Not to Be 1942 · 8.1 The Shop Around the Corner 1940 · 8.0 Ninotchka 1939 · 7.8 Trouble in Paradise 1932 · 7.9 Heaven Can Wait 1943 · 7.3 Design for Living 1933 · 7.4 The Last Command 1928 · 7.9 Bluebeard's Eighth Wife 1938 · 7.2 The Smiling Lieutenant 1931 · 7.2 That Uncertain Feeling 1941 · 6.6 One Hour with You 1932 · 7.0 The Doll 1919 · 7.4 If I Had a Million 1932 · 6.9 Monte Carlo 1930 · 6.7 The Wildcat 1921 · 6.9 So This Is Paris 1926 · 7.1 The Loves of Pharaoh 1922 · 6.5 Three Women 1924 · 6.5