Kino’s release of THE DOLL and the documentary ERNST LUBITSCH IN BERLIN completes their box set that features 5 DVDs and 7 films altogether. THE DOLL, released in 1919, re-imagines the old storyline of a mechanical doll that comes to life by incorporating a number of comic possibilities that would appeal to a 20th century audience. One of these, a man being pursued by dozens of women for his money, would later be used by Buster Keaton in his 1925 SEVEN CHANCES (and later in THE BACHELOR from 1999). Another is a shy man’s fear of women so that he gets himself a lifesize doll instead which has similarities to the recent LARS AND THE REAL GIRL.
The film is highly stylized in a comically grotesque fashion as all the action supposedly takes place within a fairy tale world with sets, costumes and photography to match the setting. It features the great but forgotten German comedienne Ossi Oswalda who was so memorable in Lubitsch’s THE OYSTER PRINCESS and I DON’T WANT TO BE A MAN. At 64 minutes the film races along never allowing itself to wear out it’s welcome. Audiences of today should view it as they would Tim Burton’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY minus the songs.
The German documentary ERNST LUBITSCH IN BERLIN from 2006 allows us to follow Lubitsch’s development from leaving the family’s fabric business to his career as an actor with Max Reinhardt and his meeting with producer Paul Davidson which would lead to his switch from actor to director. Lubitsh went from wild, satirical comedies (THE OYSTER PRINCESS, THE WILDCAT) to vast historical epics (ANNA BOELYN, SUMURUN) before Mary Pickford came calling in 1922 and lured him away from Germany forever. Numerous film clips are used throughout along with remembrances from family members and colleagues as well as contemporary German film scholars for a fascinating look at the origins of one of the true cinematic originals. As Billy Wilder tearfully said at Lubitsch’s funeral in 1947 “No more Lubitsch”. “Worse”, said fellow director William Wyler, “No more Lubitsch pictures”.
The Capsule Critic 