The Oyster Princess

Plot

The Oyster Princess follows the extravagant Ossi, the pampered daughter of American oyster tycoon Mr. Quaker, who demands to marry a prince. Her father arranges to purchase a husband from the impoverished European principality of Schaumburg, but due to a mix-up, the man sent to marry Ossi is actually the prince's secretary, a humble shoe salesman named Josef. Meanwhile, the actual Prince Nucki falls in love with Ossi's cousin. The film culminates in a spectacular foxtrot sequence at a lavish party where all the mistaken identities are revealed, leading to proper romantic pairings after a series of comic misunderstandings and social satire about wealth and class.

Historical Background

The Oyster Princess was produced in 1919, during the immediate aftermath of World War I and the establishment of the Weimar Republic in Germany. This period was marked by political instability, economic hardship, and cultural upheaval. The German film industry, particularly UFA (founded in 1917), was experiencing a golden age despite the difficult circumstances. Cinema served as both entertainment and social commentary, with films often reflecting the tensions between traditional German values and modern influences. The movie's satire of American wealth and culture tapped into contemporary German ambivalence about America - fascination with its prosperity mixed with resentment about its economic power. The film's emphasis on luxury and excess also served as a form of wish fulfillment for audiences struggling with post-war shortages and the beginning of hyperinflation.

Making Of

The production took place during Germany's turbulent Weimar Republic period, with hyperinflation beginning to affect the economy. Ernst Lubitsch, already established as one of Germany's leading directors, used the film to develop his signature 'Lubitsch touch' - a sophisticated style of visual comedy and innuendo. The casting of Ossi Oswalda was crucial; she had been discovered by Lubitsch and became his muse during this period. The famous foxtrot sequence required the actors to learn the then-new American dance form, which was considered scandalous by conservative German standards. The film's satire of American wealth was particularly ironic given that many Germans blamed American capitalism for their economic hardships. Despite these tensions, the film was embraced by German audiences who appreciated its escapist fantasy during difficult times.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Theodor Sparkuhl and Alfred Hansen was innovative for its time, employing sophisticated camera movements and lighting techniques that enhanced the film's satirical tone. The use of deep focus allowed for complex visual gags involving foreground and background action. The lavish ballroom sequences featured elaborate lighting designs that created a sense of opulence and excess. The cinematographers employed subtle camera movements to follow the dance sequences, creating a sense of fluidity that was unusual for the period. The visual style balanced the exaggerated sets with realistic performances, creating a cohesive satirical world. The black and white photography was particularly effective in highlighting the contrasts between the characters' wealth and their emotional poverty.

Innovations

The film demonstrated several technical innovations for its time, including sophisticated editing techniques that enhanced comic timing. The famous foxtrot sequence required complex choreography and camera coordination to capture the full spectacle of the dance. The production design featured elaborate moving sets and mechanical effects that created the illusion of extreme luxury. The film's use of title cards was minimal for the period, relying instead on visual storytelling to convey narrative and character development. The lighting techniques employed in the ballroom scenes were particularly advanced, using multiple light sources to create depth and atmosphere. The film's pacing and rhythm represented a significant advancement in cinematic comedy, with Lubitsch developing techniques for building comic momentum through visual means.

Music

As a silent film, The Oyster Princess was accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The score typically included popular American jazz tunes, particularly foxtrot music, to accompany the famous dance sequence. The original German cue sheets suggested a mix of classical pieces and contemporary popular music. Modern restorations have featured newly composed scores by musicians such as the Alloy Orchestra and Neil Brand, who have created period-appropriate accompaniments that blend jazz-age American music with German cabaret influences. The music plays a crucial role in establishing the film's satirical tone and enhancing the comic timing of the visual gags.

Memorable Scenes

• The spectacular foxtrot sequence where Ossi and her guests dance in increasingly elaborate formations, featuring dozens of extras in luxurious costumes and representing the pinnacle of the film's visual comedy and social satire
• The opening sequence introducing Ossi's extravagant lifestyle with her being carried by servants and surrounded by luxury items
• The mistaken identity reveal at the ball where both couples discover they've been paired with the wrong partners
• The scene where Mr. Quaker attempts to 'purchase' a prince through comical negotiations

What Critics Said

Contemporary German critics praised the film's wit and visual sophistication, with particular acclaim for the foxtrot sequence and Ossi Oswalda's performance. Critics noted Lubitsch's growing mastery of cinematic language and his ability to blend social satire with broad comedy. International critics, especially in America and France, were impressed by the film's technical polish and modern sensibility. Modern critics and film scholars consider The Oyster Princess a masterpiece of early silent comedy, highlighting its influence on the development of film language and its sophisticated approach to visual storytelling. The film is frequently cited in studies of Weimar cinema and the development of the romantic comedy genre.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enormously popular with German audiences upon its release, becoming one of the biggest box office successes of 1919-1920. Audiences particularly enjoyed the escapist fantasy of extreme wealth and luxury during a period of economic hardship. The foxtrot sequence became so popular that it inspired dance trends across Germany. The film's success made Ossi Oswalda one of Germany's biggest stars of the early 1920s. International audiences also embraced the film, particularly in America where it was seen as an example of sophisticated European cinema. The movie's enduring popularity is evidenced by its continued screening at film festivals and revival houses, where modern audiences still respond to its visual wit and comedic energy.

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