Have always found Ernst Lubitsch to be a very gifted director. When he was at his best, like with 'Trouble in Paradise', 'The Shop Around the Corner', 'Heaven Can Wait', 'To Be or Not to Be' and 'The Merry Widow', he was brilliant. Although so many directors at their worst fared far worse than him, Lubitsch was not immune from disappointment. Was not crazy about 'That Uncertain Feeling' for example and 'Eyes of the Mummy' was a dud.
'The Marriage Circle', his first film for Hollywood when diverting away from his German silents, however is thankfully closer to Lubitsch being on top form than being a disappointment or a slightly conflicted sort of film (he also had those early on). Instead it is one very well rounded, quite beautifully so even, circle. It was remade as 'One Hour With You' in 1932, which was just as good if not quite with the story being a little better done in 'The Marriage Circle'.
My only complaint of 'The Marriage Circle' is the ending, which felt abrupt and on the silly side. Which also coincidentally happened to the weak link of 'One Hour With You' too.
Otherwise it really sparkles as a film and one of Lubitsch's best early efforts and where his trademark style was starting to emerge. It did become even more refined from 'The Love Parade' onwards, but one can really see the famed wit and sophistication in his direction here. He also opens up the action enough so that it never becomes stage bound, while not trying to do too much avoiding the danger of the style swamping what's going on. The production values still look very elegant now, especially the clever photography that always feels part of the action and sumptuous decor.
Script is full of smart wit that is sharp and never less than very amusing. The story is also smart and only got a little silly at the end, the telling of it is also full of energy and sophisticated. It is also very touching in parts, with the romantic relationship tenderly handled and the subject done in good taste. Not a dull moment in sight. The cast are on top form with sparkling and never static chemistry together, with Marie Prevost and Adolphe Menjou particularly good.
In conclusion, great. 9/10
