The Smiling Lieutenant

"Maurice Chevalier laughing and loving again in Ernst Lubitsch's sparkling cocktail of romantic merriment"

Aug 1 1931 Passed 1h 33m
Comedy, Musical, Romance

An amorous lieutenant is forced to marry a socially awkward princess, though he tries to keep his violin-playing girlfriend on the side.

Plot

Lieutenant Niki of the Austrian royal guard has a new girlfriend, Franzi. He's crazy about her and is smiling at her while on duty in the street. King Adolf and his daughter Princess Anna from the neighboring kingdom of Flausenthurm drive by, and Anna intercepts a wink meant for Franzi. She falls for Niki, marries him (he has no choice in the matter), and whisks him off to Flausenthurm. Franzi follows and enjoys a brief affair with Niki before Anna finds out. Franzi, much more experienced in the ways of the world, gives Anna lessons on how to win the affections of her husband.

Written by

Ernest Vajda, Samson Raphaelson, Leopold Jacobson

Directed by

Ernst Lubitsch

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Paramount

Languages

Français, English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 1 nomination total

Scores
# of Votes
4,227
Average Rating
7.1 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA