Design for Living

Three ambitious Americans in Paris—two men and one woman—form a pact to live together platonically, supporting each other's careers in the arts. However, their unconventional arrangement is challenged when romantic feelings begin to develop between all three, leading to a series of witty and sophisticated entanglements as they navigate their desires and their pact.

Design for Living was a critical and commercial success upon its release, lauded for its sophisticated wit, its frank (for the time) exploration of a ménage à trois, and Ernst Lubitsch's masterful direction. It is considered a classic of pre-Code Hollywood and a prime example of witty romantic comedy.

• Praised for its sharp, witty dialogue and sophisticated humor.

• Lauded for its daring and progressive exploration of relationships.

• Admired for Lubitsch's stylish and elegant direction.

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Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story (for Noël Coward).

The film's screenplay was adapted from Noël Coward's stage play of the same name, and Coward himself initially approved of the casting of Fredric March, Miriam Hopkins, and Gary Cooper, believing they would capture the spirit of his characters.