The Smiling Lieutenant
Seen it?1931 | 89 min | Comedy, Romance
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Aimed squarely at romantics and fans of a well-timed joke. Easy company after a long day.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 29 min. An easy one to fit in on a school night.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1931: an older pace and style.
- Not the pick if you want something heavy or meaningful.
An amorous lieutenant is forced to marry a socially awkward princess, though he tries to keep his violin-playing girlfriend on the side.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 14K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
What's Love Got to Do with It?
Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Royal Treatment Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Valentine's Day Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Music and Lyrics
Sunday Safe BetAnother romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Easy Virtue Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch
- Maurice ChevalierLt. Nikolaus 'Niki' von Preyn
- Claudette ColbertFranzi
- Miriam HopkinsPrincess Anna
- Charles RugglesMax
- George BarbierKing Adolf XV
- Hugh O'ConnellNiki's Orderly
- Maude AllenLady in Waiting (uncredited)
- Granville BatesBill Collector (uncredited)
- Harry C. BradleyCount Von Holden (uncredited)
- Carrie DaumeryLady in Waiting (uncredited)