* 2 out of 35 for the 2026 Classic Film Challenge*

I prefer Lubitsch's German comedies to his dramas, but this was still a good watch. I enjoyed both Pola Negri as always and the pacing was very good. I just felt the whole doomed man thing didn't have emotion to it. It was hard to emphasize with him. There's some good sets and exteriors given the societal context of when this was made. The ending was pretty abrupt.

* 2 out of 35 for the 2026 Classic Film Challenge*

I prefer Lubitsch's German comedies to his dramas, but this was still a good watch. I enjoyed both Pola Negri as always and the pacing was very good. I just felt the whole doomed man thing didn't have emotion to it. It was hard to emphasize with him. There's some good sets and exteriors given the societal context of when this was made. The ending was pretty abrupt.

Definitely a major shift in trajectory in terms of Lubitsch's career, from smaller comedies to grand romantic historical spectacles. I definitely enjoyed this though I recognize it's not exactly my thing and not exactly what I prefer from Lubitsch, but I respect it for sure. Also I appreciate that the score for this Murnau Stiftung restoration pulls the main themes from the far more famous opera Carmen. It's the little things.

Definitely a major shift in trajectory in terms of Lubitsch's career, from smaller comedies to grand romantic historical spectacles. I definitely enjoyed this though I recognize it's not exactly my thing and not exactly what I prefer from Lubitsch, but I respect it for sure. Also I appreciate that the score for this Murnau Stiftung restoration pulls the main themes from the far more famous opera Carmen. It's the little things.