I wanted to wish all a very Merry Christmas with one of my favorite movies of all time, the delicate masterpiece called The shop around the corner. Directed in 1940 by Ernst Lubitsch, to me, is an absolute classic for this time of the year, also featuring the great James Stewart who's joined by the lovely Margaret Sullavan. A most understated romantic comedy, perhaps better known for being the inspiration for the contemporary film You've got mail (1998).
I love the script, to me, one of the most perfect written pieces for the big screen. The subtle tone, the almost whispered dialogues. I love James Stewart in it, but also Felix Bessart as his sidekick, Frank Morgan as Mr. Matuschek, William Tracy who plays Pepi or even Joseph Schildkraut as the vile Mr. Vadas. They're all wonderful. This little shop contains the most exquisite colourful ensemble of characters.
I also adore its dialogues, specially the ones by James Stewart and this excerpt in particular:
Alfred Kralik: "You know? Besides being a very practical thing, a wallet is quite romantic. You see, on one side he has your last letter. On the other side, a picture of you and when he opens it, there you are and that's all the music he wants."