Coeur de tzigane

The film tries to do Lubitsch, but, despite having Lubitsch's screenwriters, is not successful. It's more boring than funny. A clear example is what happens during the wedding night, when the most important plot points literally happen behind closed doors. We get instead Jean Parker, back to the audience, looking through a keyhole telling the audience what happens. Lubitsch would have worked out something more entertaining.

The film is miscast, especially Loretta Young and Phillips Holmes. Imagine how much better it would have been with Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell playing those roles. Having those actors would have telegraphed which coupling to root for. Instead, the movie is a little confusing here. Loretta Young has chemistry with charismatic Charles Boyer, but ends up preferring wooden Phillips Holmes. Loretta seems confused as to how to play it. She doesn't come off well, as her character just ends up seeming mean.