Review of Passion

The life story of French milliner's maid Pola Negri (as Jeanne Marie Vaubernier), who becomes the famed mistress ("Madame Du Barry") of Emil Jannings (as King Louis XV). Unfortunately, the French Revolution catches "rags to riches" Ms. Negri on the wrong side of polite society. Her stalwart first love Harry Liedtke (as Armand de Foix) attempts to help out, but only to a point. This film is more important than entertaining, as it was director Ernst Lubitsch and cast's foray into much of the English speaking audience's world. The passionate performances raised both eyebrows and profits. However, the stodginess overwhelms scenes like lustful Mr. Jannings sending Negri into rapture by stuffing a scroll down her cleavage. Mr. Liedtke might have become bigger star in the USA, if fate were different; he and Negri have great chemistry.

***** Madame DuBarry (9/18/19) Ernst Lubitsch ~ Pola Negri, Harry Liedtke, Emil Jannings