Thief Gaston Monescu and pickpocket Lily are partners in crime and love. Working for perfume company executive Mariette Colet, the two crooks decide to combine their criminal talents to rob their employer. Under the alias of Monsieur Laval, Gaston uses his position as Mariette's personal secretary to become closer to her. However, he takes things too far when he actually falls in love with Mariette, and has to choose between her and Lily.
In virtually every scene the lively imagination of the German producer shines forth and it seems as though he were the only person in Hollywood who could have turned out such an effective entertainment from such a feathery story.
– Mordaunt Hall,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
This comedy of jewel thieves is itself the prize sparkler of Lubitsch's enterprising career.
– J. Hoberman,
Village Voice,
10 Jun 2003
fresh:
It's a movie that feels both of its time and ahead of all the times that have followed.
– Charles Taylor,
Salon.com,
5 Nov 2003
rotten:
Despite the Lubitsch artistry, much of which is technically apparent, it's not good cinema in toto.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
6 Oct 2008
fresh:
It's possible to prefer other Ernst Lubitsch films for their more serene stylings and more plangent emotions, but this 1932 production is probably the most perfectly representative of his works.