"The Princess Comes Across" (1936) is one of Carole Lombard's best films. Lombard gives a brilliant impersonation of Greta Garbo. (Princess Olga's character is based on Swedish actress Greta Garbo, who obtained a Hollywood contract and sailed to America.) Lombard looks like Garbo with her sleek hairstyle, curved eyebrows, eyeliner, and mysterious expression. She also emulates Garbo's languid movements, expressive hand gestures, and deep voice with the Swedish accent. Her fashions are in Garbo's style, with fur coats, capes, and a slouch hat.
Lombard plays Wanda Nash, a Brooklyn showgirl trying to break into movies by pretending to be the Swedish Princess Olga. This comedy is based on movie casting trends at that time. With the great successes of European movie stars such as Garbo and Dietrich, Hollywood movie studios were seeking sophisticated European actors and actresses for films. A book claimed British actress Elissa Landi was the granddaughter of an Empress, and she appeared in her first Hollywood film in 1931. (See my posting on the message board for more about Elissa Landi.)
It is delightful to see Lombard smoothly transition between her formal Garbo persona, and her lively American personality.
Fred MacMurray is handsome and cocky as the American bandleader and concertina musician "King" Mantell who falls for the faux princess. MacMurray and Lombard have great chemistry.
The movie combines zany romantic comedy with a murder mystery. There is an international team of detectives who are seeking a notorious murderer hiding on the ship.
The sets and costumes are lavish. The suites and ballroom in the ship are Art Deco style, with murals. Lombard's costumes are gorgeous. The cinematography is excellent. The crime part of the film has noirish shadows on the walls, slatted window shades, and foggy night scenes.
This is a great film, with zany romantic comedy, murder mystery, witty dialog, and lavish sets and costumes. The best part is Lombard's superb impersonation of Garbo. Highly recommended.
Lombard plays Wanda Nash, a Brooklyn showgirl trying to break into movies by pretending to be the Swedish Princess Olga. This comedy is based on movie casting trends at that time. With the great successes of European movie stars such as Garbo and Dietrich, Hollywood movie studios were seeking sophisticated European actors and actresses for films. A book claimed British actress Elissa Landi was the granddaughter of an Empress, and she appeared in her first Hollywood film in 1931. (See my posting on the message board for more about Elissa Landi.)
It is delightful to see Lombard smoothly transition between her formal Garbo persona, and her lively American personality.
Fred MacMurray is handsome and cocky as the American bandleader and concertina musician "King" Mantell who falls for the faux princess. MacMurray and Lombard have great chemistry.
The movie combines zany romantic comedy with a murder mystery. There is an international team of detectives who are seeking a notorious murderer hiding on the ship.
The sets and costumes are lavish. The suites and ballroom in the ship are Art Deco style, with murals. Lombard's costumes are gorgeous. The cinematography is excellent. The crime part of the film has noirish shadows on the walls, slatted window shades, and foggy night scenes.
This is a great film, with zany romantic comedy, murder mystery, witty dialog, and lavish sets and costumes. The best part is Lombard's superb impersonation of Garbo. Highly recommended.