description The Doll Overview
The Doll is a 1919 German silent fantasy comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch and adapted from material associated with E. T. A. Hoffmann.
Its reluctant young hero attempts to satisfy a condition that he marry by taking what he believes is a lifelike mechanical doll as his bride, unaware that the dollmaker's daughter has secretly taken its place. The film uses openly artificial scenery, theatrical framing, visual jokes, and mistaken identity to construct a playful satire of marriage and social convention.
help The Doll FAQ
Who directed the 1919 silent film The Doll?
The Doll was directed by the legendary German filmmaker Ernst Lubitsch. It is a prime example of his early silent-era work in Berlin before his successful transition to Hollywood sound films.
What is the plot of Ernst Lubitsch's The Doll?
The film follows a young man who wants to avoid marriage, so he purchases a lifelike mechanical doll to act as his bride. Unbeknownst to him, the doll is secretly operated by the toymaker's niece.
What is the visual style of the 1919 film The Doll?
The movie is highly notable for its stylized artificial sets that resemble a theatrical dollhouse. This distinct aesthetic was an early display of Lubitsch's precise comic timing and visual flair.
Who plays the mechanical doll in The Doll?
While the plot revolves around a mechanical automaton, the doll is actually played by the German actress Ossi Oswalda. Her exaggerated, robotic movements are what bring the comedic premise of the mechanical bride to life.
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