Ernst Lubitsch’s Trouble in Paradise is not merely a film about crime; it is a masterclass in seduction. The movie treats thievery and romance as interchangeable arts, both requiring wit, timing, and impeccable style. Ultimately, it argues that a partner in crime is the only true partner for life.
Detailed Summary
A Venetian Meet-Cute
The film opens in Venice with renowned thief Gaston Monescu (Herbert Marshall) posing as a Baron. He has just robbed another wealthy man, Adolph J. Giron, of 20,000 francs. Afterward, he arranges a romantic dinner with a supposed Countess, Lily Vautier (Miriam Hopkins).
During their meal, they trade witty barbs and attempt to pick each other’s pockets. Gaston discovers Lily has stolen his wallet, while Lily finds he has her garter. Realizing they are both master criminals, they drop their facades and, as a result, fall instantly in love.
Targeting Madame Colet
One year later, Gaston and Lily arrive in Paris. They set their sights on a new mark: Madame Mariette Colet (Kay Francis), the beautiful and fabulously wealthy owner of the Colet and Company perfume house. Gaston sees an opportunity when she loses her expensive handbag.
He “returns” the bag to her, collecting a large reward and charming her in the process. He uses this opening to secure a position as her new private secretary, using the alias “Monsieur Lavalle.” Meanwhile, Lily infiltrates the household to assist with the planned heist.
The Seduction Begins
Gaston’s primary job is to manage Mariette’s chaotic finances. He expertly handles her affairs, impressing her with his efficiency and charm. Their professional relationship, however, quickly blossoms into a romantic flirtation.
Mariette finds herself drawn to this mysterious and capable man. Gaston, in turn, is captivated by her elegance and vulnerability. Their bond deepens, all while Lily watches from the sidelines, ready to help steal the contents of Mariette’s safe.
Complications and Jealousy
The con becomes complicated as Gaston develops genuine feelings for Mariette. Consequently, a love triangle forms, threatening the entire operation. Lily grows intensely jealous and fears Gaston will abandon both her and their criminal lifestyle.
Additionally, Mariette’s two devoted but goofy suitors, The Major (Charles Ruggles) and François Filiba (Edward Everett Horton), become suspicious of “Monsieur Lavalle.” François recognizes Gaston from Venice but cannot quite place him, adding another layer of tension.
The Robbery and Confrontation
The situation comes to a head when Mariette’s company board, led by Adolph Giron, confronts her about her spending. Giron immediately recognizes Gaston as the man who robbed him in Venice. He exposes Gaston to Mariette, but she is so smitten she dismisses the accusation.
Later, Lily forces Gaston to confront Mariette directly. Gaston confesses everything, admitting he is a thief. To his surprise, Mariette is more fascinated than horrified. While she is distracted, Lily and Gaston execute their plan, emptying her safe and her bedroom of cash and jewels.
Movie Ending
Gaston Monescu stands in Mariette Colet’s bedroom, having confessed his entire criminal identity. Mariette, far from being repulsed, seems intrigued by his dangerous past. She offers him champagne, clearly entertaining the idea of continuing their romance, perhaps even running away with him.
Downstairs, however, Lily waits with all the stolen loot. She has already packed their bags. Gaston is torn between the luxurious fantasy with Mariette and his real life with Lily. Ultimately, he chooses his partner in crime. In a final, tender moment, he gives Mariette a pearl necklace he bought for her—with her own money—as a parting gift.
Gaston and Lily depart together, reaffirming their bond as both lovers and criminals. As they leave in Mariette’s car, Lily reveals she swiped a final necklace. Gaston, not to be outdone, reveals he lifted the chauffeur’s cash from his pocket. They are, and always will be, a perfect pair.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, there are no post-credits scenes in Trouble in Paradise. The film was made long before this practice became common in Hollywood.
Type of Movie
Trouble in Paradise is a Pre-Code romantic comedy and heist film. Its tone is defined by sophistication, witty dialogue, and sexual innuendo, all hallmarks of director Ernst Lubitsch.
The film is perhaps the quintessential example of the “Lubitsch Touch,” a style characterized by elegant visual storytelling and suggesting more than is explicitly shown or said.
Cast
- Herbert Marshall – Gaston Monescu
- Miriam Hopkins – Lily Vautier
- Kay Francis – Mariette Colet
- Edward Everett Horton – François Filiba
- Charles Ruggles – The Major
- C. Aubrey Smith – Adolph J. Giron
Film Music and Composer
The score for Trouble in Paradise was composed by W. Franke Harling, a frequent contributor to Paramount pictures in the 1930s. His music is light, romantic, and playful, perfectly matching the film’s sophisticated tone.
The score often works subtly, accentuating the witty banter and romantic moments without ever overpowering them. It is an integral part of the film’s elegant and charming atmosphere.
Filming Locations
Despite being set in Venice and Paris, Trouble in Paradise was filmed almost entirely at the Paramount Pictures studio lot in Hollywood, California. The film’s vision of Europe is a complete fabrication, built on magnificent and stylized sets.
These Art Deco sets, designed by the legendary Hans Dreier, contribute significantly to the film’s dreamlike quality. Instead of realism, Lubitsch opted for a fantasy version of Europe that enhanced the story’s glamour and wit.
Awards and Nominations
Trouble in Paradise did not receive any Academy Award nominations. The National Board of Review, however, named it one of the top ten films of 1932, recognizing its artistic achievement and sophisticated storytelling.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Made during the Pre-Code Hollywood era, the film was able to explore themes of sex, crime, and cohabitation without moralistic judgment.
- After the strict enforcement of the Hays Code in 1934, the film was deemed morally unsuitable. As a result, it was pulled from distribution and remained largely unseen by the public until the late 1960s.
- The famous scene where Gaston and Lily communicate their mutual attraction by trading stolen goods was a key element from the original play, which Lubitsch expanded upon.
Inspirations and References
The film’s screenplay, by Samson Raphaelson, is based on the 1931 Hungarian play A Becsületes Megtaláló (The Honest Finder) by playwright László Aladár.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for Trouble in Paradise. The film that was released in 1932 is the complete and intended version by director Ernst Lubitsch. Its later suppression was due to its content as a whole, not specific scenes.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Trouble in Paradise is not based on a book but rather the aforementioned Hungarian play. While the play provided the core plot and characters, much of the film’s signature witty dialogue, visual gags, and sophisticated tone were original creations by Lubitsch and screenwriter Samson Raphaelson.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Venetian Dinner: Gaston and Lily’s “meet-cute” where they discover each other’s criminal professions by returning the items they just stole from one another.
- The Shadow Play: A famous “Lubitsch Touch” moment where Gaston kisses Mariette on her balcony, but the audience only sees their shadows, making the moment more suggestive and elegant.
- The Final Choice: Gaston says goodbye to Mariette, choosing his life of crime and love with Lily over a life of luxury with the perfume magnate.
Iconic Quotes
- François: “It must be wonderful to be a crook.” Gaston: “It is.”
- Gaston: “For the first time in my life I’m ashamed of being a thief.”
- Gaston: “You see, my dear, a romance may be a tragedy, but a marriage is always a comedy.”
- Lily: (Warning Gaston about Mariette’s advances) “But if you’re a gentleman, you can’t get a cigarette case. And if you’re a crook, you can get a cigarette case. I want a gentleman!”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Clocks and Time: Clocks appear frequently throughout the film, from the decorative clock in Mariette’s home to François’s obsession with being on time. This motif underscores the themes of perfect timing in crime and the fleeting nature of romance.
- Doors: Lubitsch famously uses doors to create meaning, comedy, and innuendo. A closed door in this film often suggests more than an open one ever could.
- Gondolier’s Song: The gondolier in the opening scene sings about love and money (“O Sole Mio,” then switches to “Amor, Amor”), perfectly foreshadowing the film’s central themes.
Trivia
- Herbert Marshall, who played the suave thief Gaston, had a prosthetic leg in real life due to an injury sustained in World War I. Lubitsch expertly filmed him to hide this fact.
- Despite its sterling reputation today among critics and film historians, Trouble in Paradise was only a modest success at the box office upon its initial release.
- The film was a key inspiration for future heist comedies, including Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, which shares a similar sense of style and wit.
Why Watch?
Watch this film for its timeless wit and unparalleled sophistication. Trouble in Paradise is a cinematic cocktail of romance, comedy, and crime, proving that great filmmaking never goes out of style. It is a true cinematic delight.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Merry Widow (1934)
- Ninotchka (1939)
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
- To Be or Not to Be (1942)
- Heaven Can Wait (1943)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Design for Living (1933)
- The Awful Truth (1937)
- The Lady Eve (1941)
- To Catch a Thief (1955)
- How to Steal a Million (1966)
