Not only did Lubitsch made this film a masterpiece, but I find it courageous too.
In 1942 it wasn't absolutely clear who would win the war, and I don't think the Nazis found it very amusing. It they would have won the war, they probably would have wanted to "talk" to Lubitsch, and we would never have heard of him again.
Agreed! It's remarkable that he could find comedy in the situation, and it was really an act of courage to make it. It reminds me very much of the "The Great Dictator" in that regard - two lovely classic comedies that were very vocal early on.
shareHE made this film in 1940 (what insight!) and it was released late. Great movie!
shareAccording to his IMDB bio he was Jewish (on his father's side at least), so his fate would have been sealed in any case in the event of a German victory.
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