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Ernst Lubitsch

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Ernst Lubitsch was a famous director who helped shape the world of movies.

Alexander Binder - Ernst Lubitsch um 1920
Alexander Binder - Ernst Lubitsch um 1920

He was known for making very elegant and smart comedies. People often spoke about "the Lubitsch touch" to describe his special style. This meant his films felt very polished and sophisticated. He was a master at telling stories with wit and charm. His work remains important to the history of cinema today.

Pola Negri and Ernst Lubitsch on set of Forbidden Paradise
Pola Negri and Ernst Lubitsch on set of Forbidden Paradise

His career followed a very interesting path from acting to directing. He first appeared as an actor in the film "The Ideal Wife" in 1913. Between 1912 and 1920, he acted in about 30 different films. Eventually, he moved away from acting to focus on directing others. He directed many films in Germany, including the drama "Sumurun" in 1920. He also directed "The Eyes of the Mummy" in 1918. He worked with famous stars like Pola Negri during this time.

Lubitsch's journey eventually led him from Germany to Hollywood. He first visited the United States in December 1921 for a short trip. He realized then that American film studios had much more money and tools. In 1922, he moved to Hollywood to work with Mary Pickford. He signed a big contract with Warner Brothers shortly after that. This contract let him choose his own actors and crew. He also kept full control over how his films were edited.

He made many famous movies that people still talk about today.

Ernst Lubitsch and wife
Ernst Lubitsch and wife

Some of his best works include "Trouble in Paradise" from 1932. He also directed "Ninotchka" in 1939 and "The Shop Around the Corner" in 1940. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director three times. These nominations were for "The Patriot" in 1928 and "The Love Parade" in 1929. In 1946, he received an Honorary Academy Award for his great work. This award honored his many years of helping the art of film.

Lubitsch's life was full of both great success and personal moments. He married the actress Vivian Gaye in 1935 and had a daughter. During World War II, his family faced the dangers of the war in Europe. He spent much of his later career at 20th Century Fox. He died of a heart attack in Hollywood in 1947. In 1960, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This star honors his huge impact on the movie industry.

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File:Alexander Binder - Ernst Lubitsch um 1920.jpg
Alexander Binder - Ernst Lubitsch um 1920.jpg
File:Pola Negri and Ernst Lubitsch on set of Forbidden Paradise.jpg
Pola Negri and Ernst Lubitsch on set of...
File:Ernst Lubitsch and wife.jpg
Ernst Lubitsch and wife.jpg
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