When discussing the concept of the "integrated musical" names that first come to mind are Kelly/Donen and Vincente Minnelli. But wasn't Lubitsch really the pioneer? While this isn't as impressive as his almost effortlessly wonderful "The Merry Widow", it's so well put-together and flows pretty seamlessly (until the last act, that is) for a film made in the early sound period. Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette McDonald are the married couple crazy about each other, that is, until McDonald's old friend Mitzi comes to visit. What follows is another delicious look at marriage from the master of the romantic comedy Lubitsch. The tunes flow well even if I'm not a huge fan of opera. The camera technique is sharp and fluid. The performances are good. But the final act isn't. After a delightful merry go-round it all drags to a weird conclusion.
Review of One Hour with You
