Illusions perdues

It does not give me pleasure in rating an Ernst Lubitsch film relatively low or giving a somewhat mixed to indifferent review on it. Actually love Lubitsch, who had a very distinctive style coined "the Lubitsch touch" (very much like Alfred Hitchcock being called often "The Master of Suspense" for good reason), and he made some great films. Not just the likes of 'Trouble in Paradise', but also his early films in German are well worth checking out.

'That Uncertain Feeling' is certainly watchable for namely the production values and the cast, but it was hard to be not disappointed. One shouldn't expect every film of his to be 'Trouble in Paradise' or 'The Shop Around the Corner', but other films of Lubitsch had much smarter storytelling, more likeable characters and far wittier scripting. As sadly 'That Uncertain Feeling' is a near-failure on those departments in my view, and again this is not being said with pleasure but actually deep regret.

Cannot fault the production values, which are very elegant all round. Lubitsch's direction does have clever moments and where his signature style shines, even though there were so many directors at the time that did romantic comedies at the time. 'That Uncertain Feeling' starts off very well, very witty and sophisticated as one kind of expects from a film directed by Lubitsch.

All three leads do good jobs in their problematic roles. While Oberon beguiles and Meredith bringing much zany zest, the most consistent performance came from debonair and not over-compensating Douglas.

However, the story for 'That Uncertain Feeling' is very slight structurally, is just as slight in execution and feels bland when it comes to the substance (not there). The slighter and sillier the story got, the script also runs out of steam just as badly and the wit and sophistication are replaced beggaring belief over-silliness and a trying too hard feel.

Didn't ever care enough for any of the characters, for all of Meredith's efforts the character himself in writing does irritate greatly. None of the supporting cast really stand out, even the usually sparkling Eeve Arden here with practically nothing to do. Lubitsch's direction generally can be flabby and doesn't seem engaged enough, the early portions feel like Lubitsch but the rest is like watching a different and far sillier and more contrived and inferior film.

Summarising, not bad but a long way from being one of the Lubitsch essentials. 5/10

There's a lot of talent here: Merle Oberon, Melvyn Douglas, Burgess Meredith, Ernst Lubitsch. Where the talent was lacking was in the script. It just isn't very clever. Everyone tries their best - it was a potentially great role for Meredith - but they can only do so much with a dull script. So, while there are occasional funny moments here, the movie as a whole is pretty much a dud.

More's the shame, since, as I said, there was so much talent here.

It has some clever dialogue, but the plot you can see coming at you from a mile away, as it is a take on "the grass is greener". Plus there is only one really likable main character - Melvyn Douglas as Larry Baker.

After six years of marriage socialite Jill Baker is feeling quite bored. She is convinced by her equally bored Park Avenue socialite friends that she must simply go see Dr. Venguard, a psychoanalyst. Between Dr. Venguard, Jill's friends, and a complete narcissist she meets in Venguard's waiting room - Burgess Meredith as Sebastian, a pianist, she becomes convinced her marriage is on the rocks. This is all news to Larry who, although he does seem to eat and sleep the insurance business, is trying to build a better life for himself and his wife.

Before Larry knows what has happened, he is out and Jill wants to divorce him and marry the extremely tiresome Sebastian, whom she is convinced is a genius. He tells her so every day! Eve Arden as a legal secretary steals the show when she is asked about what is going on and her opinion. She says she sees it every day. Women taken care of in high style with no worries and nothing to think about but how unhappy they think that they are.

I wish I could make this review more inspiring, but the film itself is pleasant but uninspiring. No new ground is covered here, and the parts of it are greater than the whole. I can give kudos to Melvyn Douglas as the husband who thinks he is more clever at getting his wife back than he is, and to Burgess Meredith as somebody who thinks a great deal of himself as a musical genius but seems to have no visible means of support. Merle Oberon is lovely here and seems to have "that uncertain feeling" every step of the way. Events more than her own will seem to be propelling her forward in every instance.

A few great memorable lines, what could be heavy melodrama turned into a very light romantic comedy Lubitsch style, and probably worth your time if you run across it, but nothing to deliberately seek out.

Suffering from hiccups and insomnia, beautiful Manhattan socialite Merle Oberon (as Jill) feels neglected by successful insurance peddling husband Melvyn Douglas (as Larry Baker). While seeing psychoanalyst Alan Mowbray (as Vengard), Ms. Oberon meets fellow patient Burgess Meredith (as Alexander Sebastian), a troubled pianist. As Oberon and Mr. Meredith grow closer, Mr. Douglas tries "reverse psychology" to win back his wife. Meanwhile, secretary Eve Arden (as Sally Aikens) may move in on Douglas.

This lesser Ernst Lubitsch offering was a re-make of the director's silent "Kiss Me Again" (1925), which made the critically polled "Film Daily" and "Motion Picture" magazine's annual year's best lists. Unfortunately, the original is presently a "lost" film. "That Uncertain Feeling" was a letdown after "Ninotchka" (1939) and "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940). But, it's definitely not awful. Douglas is in good form, particularly during the last act. Oberon wears some sexy outfits, especially during the early running.

****** That Uncertain Feeling (4/17/41) Ernst Lubitsch ~ Merle Oberon, Melvyn Douglas, Burgess Meredith, Eve Arden

Merle Oberon and Melvyn Douglas deal with "That Uncertain Feeling," a 1941 Ernst Lubitsch film based on a Sardou play. It's actually a remake of a silent Lubitsch, "Kiss Me Again." The film also stars Burgess Meredith and Eve Arden.

Jill Baker (Oberon) is married to a successful businessman, Larry Baker (Douglas), but after six years, the bloom is off the rose. She goes to a psychiatrist, where, in the waiting room, she meets an opinionated pianist, Alexander Sebastian (Meredith), who introduces her to the world of art and music. She becomes fascinated with the world of culture and with him. Before you know it, Oberon and Douglas are divorcing, and Oberon and Meredith become engaged.

The best scene occurs in the divorce attorney's office, when the secretary, Sally (Eve Arden) is asked to take a letter. In reality, she's supposed to witness Larry slapping Jill to help them get their divorce.

There are some nice things in this film, including the bright performances of the leads, particularly the beautiful Oberon, whose presence shone in many a film.

All in all, a disappointing Lubitsch, but Oberon's charm is quite special and always worth seeing.