This film was co-written and directed by the famed Ernst Lubitsch. However, unlike his famous films he made in Hollywood during the 1930s and 40s, this one is a silent and was made in his home country of Germany. Stylistically, it doesn't have the "Lubitsch touch" (the style and grace of his best films) but this doesn't mean it's a bad film. It's more of a kids' film--a silly story that has a strong Brothers Grimm undercurrent.
The film begins in an interesting manner. Lubitsch himself walks out and begins assembling a children's play set and it magically becomes real as do the little wooden figures. This was clever and very unique.
The story itself is pure fairy tale. A rich man wants his only nephew and heir to marry, but the young man is "timid". In today's world, he'd probably be seen as a homosexual or at least a misogynist. The young man runs away instead of marrying and goes to live with some morally suspect monks. The monks do nothing but eat like pigs and complain that they have no money. When they learn that this young man is an heir, they help him come up with a plan to get the money (and they assume he'll give it all to them). The young man can go to the doll maker, Mr. Hilarious, and buy one of his life-size and highly realistic dolls. Despite the dolls obviously not looking alive in the least, when the young man shows this doll to the uncle, the uncle is thrilled and the young man marries the doll. However, there's a big problem with his plan--something you'll just have to see for yourself.
Overall, it's a very silly and fantastic film from start to finish. There's plenty for kids, but adults will also like the film because it never takes itself seriously and has many cute moments. While not a masterpiece, for an early Lubitsch film, it's a must-see and highly underrated on IMDb
By the way, the print from Kino Films is exceptionally good--one of the better prints from the pre-1920 era I have seen. Also included with this film is the documentary "Ernst Lubitsch in Berlin".
The film begins in an interesting manner. Lubitsch himself walks out and begins assembling a children's play set and it magically becomes real as do the little wooden figures. This was clever and very unique.
The story itself is pure fairy tale. A rich man wants his only nephew and heir to marry, but the young man is "timid". In today's world, he'd probably be seen as a homosexual or at least a misogynist. The young man runs away instead of marrying and goes to live with some morally suspect monks. The monks do nothing but eat like pigs and complain that they have no money. When they learn that this young man is an heir, they help him come up with a plan to get the money (and they assume he'll give it all to them). The young man can go to the doll maker, Mr. Hilarious, and buy one of his life-size and highly realistic dolls. Despite the dolls obviously not looking alive in the least, when the young man shows this doll to the uncle, the uncle is thrilled and the young man marries the doll. However, there's a big problem with his plan--something you'll just have to see for yourself.
Overall, it's a very silly and fantastic film from start to finish. There's plenty for kids, but adults will also like the film because it never takes itself seriously and has many cute moments. While not a masterpiece, for an early Lubitsch film, it's a must-see and highly underrated on IMDb
By the way, the print from Kino Films is exceptionally good--one of the better prints from the pre-1920 era I have seen. Also included with this film is the documentary "Ernst Lubitsch in Berlin".