Watch The Marriage Circle

The Marriage Circle is a romantic comedy-drama film from 1924 directed by Ernst Lubitsch. It stars Florence Vidor, Monte Blue, and Marie Prevost in the lead roles. The movie is known for its sophisticated humor and witty writing, which were hallmarks of Lubitsch's directing style. The story revolves around a group of upper-class couples in Vienna, Austria. Charlotte (Florence Vidor) is a bored and dissatisfied wife of a successful doctor, Franz (Monte Blue). She longs for the excitement and passion that she feels is missing in her life. Meanwhile, Mizzi (Marie Prevost) is a flirtatious woman who is married to the wealthy businessman, Josef (Harry Myers). She also longs for something more exciting in her life.

When Charlotte meets Mizzi, they bond over their mutual dissatisfaction with their marriages. They begin to confide in each other and soon become close friends. Charlotte even goes so far as to suggest that Franz should have an affair with Mizzi, thinking that it will add some excitement to their stale marriage.

When Josef finds out about the affair, he becomes enraged and decides to divorce Mizzi. This sets off a chain reaction of events, as the couples begin to interact with each other in new and unexpected ways. Old secrets are revealed, new alliances are formed, and everyone begins to question their true desires and motivations.

The film is a masterclass in Lubitsch's trademarked 'touch'. It shows the complexities of relationships and how easily small things can lead to bigger, more dramatic issues. The intricate plotlines are cleverly interwoven, with each character's story adding to the overall narrative in a meaningful way. Moreover, the film is visually stunning, with sumptuous costumes, intricate sets, and beautiful cinematography.

The performances in the movie are also noteworthy. Florence Vidor, playing Charlotte, delivers a nuanced portrayal of someone who is torn between her desire for passion and her sense of duty to her family. Monte Blue, as Franz, is equally impressive as a man struggling with his feelings for his wife and Mizzi. Marie Prevost, as Mizzi, steals the show with her alluring charms and devilish wit.

The Marriage Circle is an important film in the history of cinema. It was one of the first movies to deal openly with the idea of infidelity in marriage, something that was considered taboo at the time. It also solidified Lubitsch's reputation as a master of sophisticated comedy, paving the way for many imitators.

In conclusion, The Marriage Circle is a classic romantic comedy-drama film that still holds up well today. It is a fascinating exploration of human relationships and how we are influenced by our desires. The film is a tribute to Lubitsch's extraordinary talent as a director, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. For fans of vintage cinema, The Marriage Circle is a must-see film.

The Marriage Circle is a 1924 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.