If to be perfectly honest, and this is most likely true for a lot of fellow fans, there is a vast personal preference for Ernst Lubitsch's late-20s onward films where he had properly found his distinctive style. That by then was fully established and he was comfortable in it. His German period silents are by all means interesting to watch too, but were more variable in quality. Also they were made in a period where his style and comfort zone had not emerged yet.
Of course most of Lubitsch's German films are actually worth watching, though it is hard to not compare to later on. There were films from this period though where his style, while not completely found, was starting to emerge and were actually outstanding as far as Lubitsch silents and 1910s silent films go. One was 'The Doll'. The other was this, both made in 1919, just as charming and even funnier than that film while not being quite as imaginative or wonderfully strange.
'The Oyster Princess' for me was so good and entertaining, that like 'The Doll' it didn't matter that the story was a silly one. It was also very breezily paced, lots of fun, immensely charming and never got too predictable, the silliness was not over the top and was a case for me of being endearingly so. Also loved how it was written and like 'The Doll' it should appeal and be accessible to children and adults alike. It is never too childish for adults, and actually they'll understand the satirical element and social commentary quite a bit more, and it isn't too complex or unsettling for younger audiences.
Humour was seldom this sharply biting or funny in silent film and the commentary is very intelligently done and not preachy. It's cute also without being saccharine and nothing feels creaky. It may lack the imagination of 'The Doll' but the entertainment value and charm of that film is there too. As is the opulent and deliciously elaborate production values, without being too exaggerated. Nothing static or overblown here.
Also liked the performances, with another very winning performance particularly from Ossi Oswalda. Lubitsch's direction has wit and sophistication.
In summary, wonderful and one of the few German Lubitsch films that are proper must sees. Easily one of his best early films. 10/10
Of course most of Lubitsch's German films are actually worth watching, though it is hard to not compare to later on. There were films from this period though where his style, while not completely found, was starting to emerge and were actually outstanding as far as Lubitsch silents and 1910s silent films go. One was 'The Doll'. The other was this, both made in 1919, just as charming and even funnier than that film while not being quite as imaginative or wonderfully strange.
'The Oyster Princess' for me was so good and entertaining, that like 'The Doll' it didn't matter that the story was a silly one. It was also very breezily paced, lots of fun, immensely charming and never got too predictable, the silliness was not over the top and was a case for me of being endearingly so. Also loved how it was written and like 'The Doll' it should appeal and be accessible to children and adults alike. It is never too childish for adults, and actually they'll understand the satirical element and social commentary quite a bit more, and it isn't too complex or unsettling for younger audiences.
Humour was seldom this sharply biting or funny in silent film and the commentary is very intelligently done and not preachy. It's cute also without being saccharine and nothing feels creaky. It may lack the imagination of 'The Doll' but the entertainment value and charm of that film is there too. As is the opulent and deliciously elaborate production values, without being too exaggerated. Nothing static or overblown here.
Also liked the performances, with another very winning performance particularly from Ossi Oswalda. Lubitsch's direction has wit and sophistication.
In summary, wonderful and one of the few German Lubitsch films that are proper must sees. Easily one of his best early films. 10/10