A vintage romantic comedy, Ernst Lubitsch’s 1940 The Shop Around the Corner is a classic holiday story. And you may not realize that it is actually the original version of You’ve Got Mail.
Stars Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan work together in a small shop in Budapest. Each is eager to find a mate and start corresponding with pen pals. Well, those who are familiar with the plot from the modern version, know what happens next.
While missing the modern trappings of the Hanks/Ryan version, I think the old fashioned simplicity of the original only adds to the appeal. The well crafted characters and the supporting cast are simply marvelous. This ensemble group works so well together, that despite the mix of accents and improbability of the Budapest location, you will become a believer!! Enjoy!
I adore this film, and thought it marvelously well done, despite the American accents of the two major stars. Budapest? Ach! A charming little confection. Reggie
I just love a romantic comedy…and Jimmy Stewart. Did you see New Year’s Eve yet? I went with a girlfriend and it was much better than expected.
You have the best taste in films of anyone I know, Stacey. Why, oh why do we not have Netflix in France? Sigh.
I love You’ve got Mail so much and when I found out this movie was the original I bought this one too, LOVE IT!
Hope I can find this thru Netflix ! Always loved You got Mail!
Lynn
Haven’t seen this one in years – must find it to enjoy it again! You always have the best movir picks Q!!
xo Cathy
I love this movie so much!! I’m a big fan of You’ve Got Mail, and I accidentally saw this movie on TCM and immediately started hunting for a copy to add to our Christmas movie drawer. It is actually sold together with You’ve Got Mail so now I own both, but I’m pretty sure that I prefer the original and that is really saying something! I made the whole family watch it last Christmas and even people who were dreading the prospect of an old black and white film fell in love with it.
(as a side note, and not to give anything away about the movie, last Christmas after we had seen the movie I also gave my husband a new wallet and when he opened it everyone burst out laughing and asking him if he preferred it to Ochi Chernye)
I haven’t seen this one! It’s been on my radar since You’ve Got Mail (which I didn’t love at first viewing but have come to be fond of over time). Jimmy Stewart is always a a favorite. Will definitely need to make time to watch this classic.
Happy Weekend!
I had no idea there was a movie that inspired You’ve got Mail…how wonderful…it’s one of my favorite movies, I’ll be on the lookout for it now.
Thank you…
xo J~
We are very much on the same movie page. Yes, I love it–the romantic tension of star crossed lovers to the max. Did you see my minor rant on my new post. Mrs. K.’s house is so loaded with bookshelves and books, I digressed to find the new habit of covering books to be a travesty. Naturally, I invoked a weigh in by you. I bought the greatest, reasonable, out of print, good condition books for the girlies–Cecil Beaton–Persona Grata, Ludwig Bemelmans on Elsie de Wolfe and more. I am rather smug with my purchases and would never cover, their fabulous covers!!
Best,
Liz
Liz – so sorry – stopping by now to see!!
Ordering it now! xv
Done!! Have a sparkly festive weekend Stacey… xv