THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER 🤩 

Most of us are forced to work in a place we never believed we would be. Every day, the mood is set by the manager. If he is having a bad moment, then we may, too. When there are many customers, the one in charge will smile, and so do we. It becomes a small world…a tight community where rumors, innuendo, and gossip can spread quickly. It doesn’t matter if it’s true as long as it fuels each day. In these situations, we tend to think we know our co-workers. Assumptions that are difficult to change are made. Jobs like these are tough unless you are lucky enough to make real friends and connections. It has been said to never judge a book by its cover. Klara (Margaret Sullivan) and Alfred (James Stewart) learn that valuable lesson in the hushed, restrained, beautiful tale of THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER. 

It is rare that a film produced over eighty years ago can be a huge influence in creating two Broadway musicals (1993 and 2016) and a reimagined film (1998). Broadway named it SHE LOVES ME, and most of us remember the story of YOU’VE GOT MAIL. THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER was the simple catalyst for these hits. Unobtrusive and understated storytelling made its mark on the giant screen. It took only 28 days to create, and all scenes were filmed sequentially. It was reported that the director, Ernst Lubitsch, bought the movie rights for a mere $7,500. In his deft hands, the movie soared. It was his directing favorite over his entire career. 

James Stewart knew how to work with the turbulent, argumentative Margaret Sullivan. This was not their first movie together so he could take her outbursts and tantrums. Jimmy just used that explosive energy in their scenes. Chemistry was pouring and spouting whenever they came together. Their coupling was sweet and naive. In the film, a real relationship could begin once they both come out of the storybook clouds. Of course, it took the entire movie to get to that magical space, but that made it so much fun to watch. It’s always about the journey, and theirs was a bumpy, emotional ride. 

Most of TSATC was filmed within one set…the shop in Budapest, Hungary. Although it was tight, the walls never felt too confining or small. I believe this forced audiences to keep their complete focus on the quirky cast of characters. The director took a touching rom-com comedy and expertly created a film with depth, drama, and brilliant effectiveness. 

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER is one of the most influential romantic comedies of all time. It brings warmth into our humdrum days. It imagines hope where anything is possible. Cigarette music boxes can be filled with candy. It’s all within your perspective. Maybe it’s time we all became open to new paradigms for the coming new year.

It is available on MAX.