Shoe Palace Pinkus (1916) - Ernst Lubitsch: Director and Star

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This is Ernst Lubitsch's first major job as a film director and his first appearance as the comic character he would play for the next three years in Germany, the hustling Berlin Jew who becomes a success through his sharp wits and hard work. It's a funny movie, although not much of the legendary "Lubitsch Touch" is visible. But the seeds of his later masterpieces like "The Shop Around the Corner" can be clearly seen from this humble beginning.

Lubitsch was famous for acting out every part in the movies he directed. Jack Benny was asked if Lubitsch was a good actor, and Benny replied that Lubitsch was a little broad, but you got the idea. Now you'll have a chance to judge his performing skills for yourself.

I added English subtitles to the original German intertitles and a background piano score cribbed from an old W. C. Fields silent. Sorry about the flickering. It's still quite watchable.

Also, take a look at "Meyer from Berlin," elsewhere on my channel. This is Lubitsch's final appearance as the character three years later. It shows a marked improvement in his acting and directing skills, and the video itself looks a lot better.

Видео Shoe Palace Pinkus (1916) - Ernst Lubitsch: Director and Star канала Bob Toomey