Do like very much to love a good deal of Ernst Lubitsch's later films and his distinctive directing style. His older films are also worth seeing, even though he had not fully evolved as a director yet at this point on the most part. Also was very interested as to how a comical version, or more like variation, of one of Shakespeare's most famous works and one of the most famous tragedies in literature, would fare and Lubitsch on paper sounded an intriguing choice of director to take it on.
He does so laudably. 'Romeo and Juliet in the Snow' is nowhere near one of his best and is far from perfect. It is though towards being one of his better early pictures, or more like high middle, rather than being towards the bottom. The premise works very well on the most part and is not near as distasteful as one might fear reading the premise, fearing that 'Romeo and Juliet' and comedy (which is of the broad kind here) would not gel. It actually in my opinion just about does.
'Romeo and Juliet in the Snow' has beautiful scenery first and foremost, as well as wonderfully extravagant costumes. Beautifully enhanced by the far from primitive photography. Especially at the costume ball. It is very entertaining throughout, the comedy is broad but is also a lot of fun and not repetitive or too silly.
The story is immensely charming and never felt dull or stagy, treating the subject tastefully. Despite being a comical variation of a tragedy, the source material isn't hugely disrespected and the treatment of it is always easy to follow and fun. Gustav von Wagenheim and Lotte Neumann are appealing as the lovers and have an affectionate and always believable chemistry.
Did think though that 'Romeo and Juliet in the Snow' is a little too short, with fifteen minutes more the ending may have been a little better rounded off. Did also find the ending a bit rushed and pat, though at least it was in keeping with the tone of the film.
Leads aside, some of the rest of the acting is on the histrionic side which did make some of the conflict a touch over the top.
On the whole, quite good. 7/10
