Pre-Code Charms: Unpacking Ernst Lubitsch’s Trouble in Paradise (1932)

Trouble in Paradise (1932), directed by Ernst Lubitsch, is a film that masterfully blends romance, comedy, and a touch of daring. The plot revolves around Gaston Monescu (Herbert Marshall), an elegant thief who falls in love with one of his victims, the millionaire Mariette Colet (Kay Francis). With clever dialogue, dazzling costumes, and a narrative full of twists, the film stands as a landmark of pre-Code Hollywood cinema.

The Plot of Trouble in Paradise

Gaston Monescu is a high-class thief, always impeccably dressed and exceptionally polite. He steals from the wealthy to maintain his sophisticated lifestyle. During one of his escapades, he meets Lily (Miriam Hopkins), a woman as charming and cunning as he is. Together, they form a charismatic couple living off cons and adventures.

However, everything changes when Gaston steals the handbag of Mariette Colet, a millionaire surrounded by flatterers. Upon returning the bag to claim the reward, Gaston falls for Mariette, creating a love triangle filled with tension and seduction.

The Lubitsch Touch

Ernst Lubitsch was renowned for his “Lubitsch touch,” an elegant and subtle approach to handling bold themes. In Trouble in Paradise, he explores complex relationships and morally ambiguous situations with refined humor.

The film was released before Hollywood’s Motion Picture Production Code was strictly enforced, allowing for scenes and dialogues with strong sexual connotations and double entendres. This led to the film being banned from 1935 onward, only being released for television broadcast in the late 1950s.

Costumes and Cast

The costumes designed by Travis Banton are one of the film’s highlights. Kay Francis glides through every scene in impeccable looks, from evening gowns to elegant peignoirs. The cast also shines, with Herbert Marshall, Miriam Hopkins, and Kay Francis forming an unforgettable trio.

The supporting actors, portrayed by Edward Everett Horton and Charles Ruggles, also steal scenes with their humorous and charming performances.

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Carla Marinho Leal

Writer, traveler and above all, curious about many subjects. She has studied cinema since 2002 and is a Specialist in Cinematographic Studies from UNICAP. Founder of the blog Purviance and the website Cinemaclássico. She loves Charles Chaplin, Raj Kapoor and constantly browses films from all over the world.

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