Review: The Shop Around the Corner

Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch

Written by: Samson Raphaelson

Starring: Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut

Rating: [5/5]

There’s a distinct difference between the way people speak and the way they correspond in writing. Speaking consists of a stream of consciousness that does not receive the same level of thought one puts into writing something. This happens to me in the way I write about films, as opposed to when just having an offhand conversation with another person. The Shop Around the Corner exemplifies this difference in how two individuals can experience each other so differently through different means of communication, all coming together in such beautifully crafted and romantic film. 

At a local leathergoods store works Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) as the top salesman. In comes Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan), a young woman looking for a job, and gets one despite the pressing economic conditions of the shop. The pair cannot get along in the workplace, but both engage in an anonymous correspondence with someone they have struck a connection with. They just do not know that they are corresponding with one another. 

A timeless classic set during the Christmas season, it comes with great shame it took me so long to watch this, but I’m now glad to have experienced what Ernst Lubitsch has crafted. Based on a Hungarian play, Lubitsch keeps the setting in Budapest while installing American actors into the roles that help make it a good classic Hollywood picture. Famously, this film gave inspiration to You’ve Got Mail with the idea of two pen pals who do not know each other’s identities but happen to know each other in-person unknowingly. While the 90s film has its whimsy, there’s something irreplaceable about the charm found in this film that does not stop at the central couple but also the rich characters supporting them. 

Often in films centered on a romance, we have one or two side characters that serve as comedic sprinkles in support of the leads. The ones in this film definitely bring their comedy but they do so in addition to having their own arcs and journeys as well. Surprisingly, the one who had the most texture was the boss, Hugo Matuschek (Frank Morgan) as he deals with his own personal issues and demonstrates the financial weight of running this store. His particular storyline contains this dark edge and an intense sadness that completely took me by surprise, but only further adds to the layers this character contains as not just the grumpy boss but someone dealing with his own issues. 

Then we have the true comedic side characters who add their own flair to the stories, such as Pirovitch (Felix Bressart) and Pepi Katona (William Tracey). Both of them have some of the best lines in the entire film as they add in some of their commentary as everything transpires within this story. While it feels almost improper to focus on the supporting players before the main couple within a review, it only further underscores how much they enrich the viewing experience of this film, especially when considering the title of this film. When viewing The Shop Around the Corner, it’s simply not about two individuals falling in love but all the individuals that make this shop what it is. 

However, we must discuss this lovely couple, as the way Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan portray Alfred and Klara respectively is nothing short of sublime. These two have their quarrels at work and correspond with one another about culture and such insightful items. It demonstrates the difference of how different one can appear on depending on the type of communication used. Relating it to modern times, it’s the equivalent of how people converse in-person versus when texting one another. One requires more thought as one carefully crafts sentences with the ability to edit one’s first initial thoughts into the exact message they wish to convey. Then the other comes purely from what comes from the top of our heads. 

Everything in this film leads to the inevitability of what will transpire when they learn the identity of each other and how they will reconcile the two identities into one singular being. This journey, particularly for Alfred, truly gets that the beauty of the love held between these characters. A mild spoiler to say but he learns of Klara’s identity before she does and the way in which he changes his attitude towards her while she remains ignorant and just as combative contains such a romanticism to it. A particular scene in a cafe completely sets it all in motion all the way until the ultimate reveal occurs, which highlights the incredible dynamic between the pair. 

There’s just something special about Jimmy Stewart when he operates in this realm. The man knows how to portray goofy characters but the way he does romance puts him in a different league all together. He presents this level of longing and a delivery of this lovely dialogue that makes it impossible for Klara to not fall in love with him. Then we have Margaret Sullavan, who’s truly a divine figure in this film. She brings all the wit needed to portray Klara as someone unafraid to speak her mind but also manages to display this sensitivity and warmth needed for a leading lady within a romance film. These two have electric chemistry that helps deliver this yearning for them to finally get together, the ultimate impact one could want from a like this and the biggest compliment. 

Set in a time period filled with struggle, The Shop Around the Corner will undoubtedly warm the heart of anyone who puts it on. Truly of the greatest Christmas films ever made, this feature gives us such a wonderful cast of characters who all go through their own journeys while working at this leathergoods store. Of course, we have the lovely romance between Alfred and Klara but also a whole host of supporting players who add so much to this story not only in the comedy, but also the deeply held emotions of these characters. This will certainly be a film I will continue to rewatch during the holidays as it demonstrates a level strong level of excellence across the board.