The Shop Around the Corner
The Shop Around the Corner

Movie spotlight

The Shop Around the Corner

1940
Movie
99 min
English

Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand one another, without realising that they are falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal.

Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Google Users95%
Director: Ernst LubitschGenres: Comedy, Romance, Drama

Plot Summary

In a Budapest gift shop, two employees, Klara Novak and Alfred Kralik, constantly clash and bicker, unaware that they are secretly corresponding through anonymous letters. Both have fallen in love with their pen pals, and the romantic tension escalates as they unknowingly antagonize each other by day and express affection by night. The film explores the complexities of love, misunderstandings, and the surprising nature of true connection.

Critical Reception

The Shop Around the Corner is widely regarded as a masterpiece of romantic comedy, praised for its witty dialogue, charming performances, and sophisticated direction. It's celebrated for its warmth, humor, and timeless portrayal of human relationships, making it a beloved classic that has influenced countless films.

What Reviewers Say

  • A perfectly crafted romantic comedy with exceptional performances.

  • Lubitsch's deft direction creates a warm, witty, and enduringly charming film.

  • The chemistry between Sullavan and Stewart is palpable and delightful.

Google audience: Viewers consistently praise the film's heartwarming story, the engaging dynamic between the lead actors, and its timeless romantic appeal. Many find it a beautifully made classic that remains enjoyable and moving.

Awards & Accolades

None notable (though widely recognized as a classic and influential film).

Fun Fact

The film's plot was famously remade three times: as 'In the Good Old Summertime' (1949) starring Judy Garland, as 'You've Got Mail' (1998) starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, and as 'She's All Yours' (2014) with an updated setting.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Frank Morgan is super in this delightful comedy drama. His general goods store finds itself with a new employee in "Klara" (Margaret Sullavan) who has loads of new techniques and a style that manages to irk long time supervisor "Kralik" (Ja...

John Chard

John Chard

Ah, epistolary love, delightful. This is the story of Matuschek and Company - - of Mr. Matuschek and the people who work for him. It is just around the corner from Andrassy Street - - on Balta Street, in Budapest, Hungary. Klara Nova...