Monte Carlo
1930·Comedy·1h 30m
7.1
★
A countess fleeing her husband mistakes a count for her hairdresser at a Monte Carlo casino.
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
based on novel or book
hairdresser
monte carlo
musical
black and white
class differences
pre-code
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Cast
Jack Buchanan
Count Rudolph Falliere / Rudy the Hairdresser
Jeanette MacDonald
Countess Helene Mara
Claud Allister
Prince Otto von Liebenheim
Zasu Pitts
Bertha
Tyler Brooke
Armand
John Roche
Paul, the 'Real' Hairdresser
Lionel Belmore
Prince Gustav von Liebenheim
Albert Conti
Prince Otto's Companion / M.C.
Billy Bevan
Train Conductor (uncredited)
John Carroll
Wedding Guest Officer (uncredited)
Frances Dee
Receptionist (uncredited)
Max Barwyn
Frenchman (uncredited)
Crew
Ernst Lubitsch
Director
John Leipold
Original Music Composer
Ernst Lubitsch
Producer
Travis Banton
Costume Designer
Booth Tarkington
Novel
Lucien Ballard
Camera Operator
Eugene Joseff
Other
Popular Reviews
9 reviews
Tamera
8.8★ · 06/18/25
When I realized this was a musical I almost cried 😭 but I had to see it through. I love Ernst Lubitschs work, it’s so silly and easy to enjoy. I didn’t expect to like this that much but it was so cute
When I realized this was a musical I almost cried 😭 but I had to see it through. I love Ernst Lubitschs work, it’s so silly and easy to enjoy. I didn’t expect to like this that much but it was so cute
Erik Olsson
7.0★ · 03/19/25
I am way too charmed by these Lubitsch musicals, even when it's a lesser one like this I'm just having such a pleasantly charming time. Also, "Wait, is this fucking play about us?" but in 1930.
I am way too charmed by these Lubitsch musicals, even when it's a lesser one like this I'm just having such a pleasantly charming time. Also, "Wait, is this fucking play about us?" but in 1930.
Alex
7.2★ · 06/17/21
One of the first musicals ever made, and the sophistication here shocks me. Something like the train sequence, where a musical number is given 3 specific interweaving levels, wouldn’t be done again until the party scene of Meet Me in St Louis (at least as far as I’m aware). That’s how ahead of his time Lubitsch already is here. This film proves that genius creative beats an advanced time period.
The rest of the film, it’s alright. The script and songs are competent, but not aren’t nearly as sharp as Smiling Lieutenant or Merry Widow. Jeannette McDonald is a bad opera singer and dreadful actress, and a young Jack Buchanan (of The Band Wagon fame) sings well but doesn’t work as a romantic lead. The plot is charming and light-hearted in that specifically operatic way, but outside of Lubitsch’s mastery there isn’t much to write home about here.
Musicals Ranked
The rest of the film, it’s alright. The script and songs are competent, but not aren’t nearly as sharp as Smiling Lieutenant or Merry Widow. Jeannette McDonald is a bad opera singer and dreadful actress, and a young Jack Buchanan (of The Band Wagon fame) sings well but doesn’t work as a romantic lead. The plot is charming and light-hearted in that specifically operatic way, but outside of Lubitsch’s mastery there isn’t much to write home about here.
Musicals Ranked
One of the first musicals ever made, and the sophistication here shocks me. Something like the train sequence, where a musical number is given 3 specific interweaving levels, wouldn’t be done again until the party scene of Meet Me in St Louis (at least as far as I’m aware). That’s how ahead of his time Lubitsch already is here. This film proves that genius creative beats an advanced time period.
The rest of the film, it’s alright. The script and songs are competent, but not aren’t nearly as sharp as Smiling Lieutenant or Merry Widow. Jeannette McDonald is a bad opera singer and dreadful actress, and a young Jack Buchanan (of The Band Wagon fame) sings well but doesn’t work as a romantic lead. The plot is charming and light-hearted in that specifically operatic way, but outside of Lubitsch’s mastery there isn’t much to write home about here.
Musicals Ranked
The rest of the film, it’s alright. The script and songs are competent, but not aren’t nearly as sharp as Smiling Lieutenant or Merry Widow. Jeannette McDonald is a bad opera singer and dreadful actress, and a young Jack Buchanan (of The Band Wagon fame) sings well but doesn’t work as a romantic lead. The plot is charming and light-hearted in that specifically operatic way, but outside of Lubitsch’s mastery there isn’t much to write home about here.
Musicals Ranked
Timothy Kandra
Much more entertaining than The Love Parade. Liked the silly characters and music.
Much more entertaining than The Love Parade. Liked the silly characters and music.
Shak Lambert
4.4★ · 10/17/18
Otto van Leiberham is the original sugar daddy
Otto van Leiberham is the original sugar daddy