The reason I mentioned another one of director Ernst Lubitsch's other films in the summary is because "I Don't Want to be a Man" was packaged on the same DVD as "Oyster Princess". However, the quality difference between the two films is huge--and it's pretty clear in both these films that the famed 'Lubitsch touch' had not yet been acquired by the director. The subtlety, charm and elegance of his best films (made in Hollywood during the 1930s) was clearly lacking in both these movies--though at least "I Don't Want to Be a Man" was at least a good film regardless.
The film starts with Ossi Oswalda (who also starred in "Oyster Princess") having a wonderful time drinking, smoking and playing cards with the young men. But this NOT acceptable behavior for a lady and she is scolded for this. So, in a move reminiscent of "Victor/Victoria", she gets a suit of men's clothes and poses as a guy--after all, the guys seem to have all the fun. However, through the course of a wild night of carousing, she realizes it's not all it's cracked up to be. Plus, things have gotten complicated, as the man her family wants her to settle down with has fallen in love with her...as a guy!!! This homosexual/bisexual aspect of the film is quite risqué--even by today's standards and seeing them necking is pretty surreal at times! Overall, a clever little film despite it being a bit too short, a bit too simplistic and a bit over-acted in spots. Not a work of genius...but still quite good.
The film starts with Ossi Oswalda (who also starred in "Oyster Princess") having a wonderful time drinking, smoking and playing cards with the young men. But this NOT acceptable behavior for a lady and she is scolded for this. So, in a move reminiscent of "Victor/Victoria", she gets a suit of men's clothes and poses as a guy--after all, the guys seem to have all the fun. However, through the course of a wild night of carousing, she realizes it's not all it's cracked up to be. Plus, things have gotten complicated, as the man her family wants her to settle down with has fallen in love with her...as a guy!!! This homosexual/bisexual aspect of the film is quite risqué--even by today's standards and seeing them necking is pretty surreal at times! Overall, a clever little film despite it being a bit too short, a bit too simplistic and a bit over-acted in spots. Not a work of genius...but still quite good.