Design for Living

"Design for Living" is a 1933 American romantic comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch, based on the play "Escape Me Never" by Edward Knoblock. The film stars Miriam Hopkins as Gilda Farrell, a beautiful and independent American woman who finds herself caught between the love and desire of two men. Her story serves as the backdrop for an exploration of the nature of love, desire, and freedom in 1930s Paris. The film opens with Gilda, a wealthy and stylish American expatriate, arriving in Paris with her best friend, Carl (Edward Everett Horton). She is drawn into a world of luxury and intellectual curiosity, where she meets Otto (John Barrymore), a charming and somewhat self-absorbed American playwright, and Leo (Ben Lyon), a handsome and confident young engineer. Gilda and Otto are immediately drawn to each other, sharing a deep emotional connection and a love of art, literature, and conversation. Their relationship is intellectually stimulating, and they engage in long discussions about philosophy, politics, and culture. Otto, who is struggling to complete his latest play, is drawn to Gilda's wit, charm, and independence, and sees her as the perfect muse and companion. However, Gilda is also attracted to Leo, who represents a more traditional and romantic idea of love. Leo is a young and handsome man who is devoted to Gilda, and he shows her a more conventional and nurturing side of love. Gilda is torn between her desire for Otto's intellectual stimulation and her need for Leo's emotional support. As the story unfolds, Gilda finds herself unable to choose between the two men. She is drawn to Otto's world of intellectual curiosity and artistic expression, but she also longs for the comfort and security of Leo's love. The men, who are both aware of Gilda's feelings for them, engage in a series of wacky and comedic schemes to win her over. Meanwhile, Gilda's independence and individuality are put to the test as she navigates the complexities of her relationships with Otto and Leo. She is determined to maintain her freedom and autonomy, while also acknowledging the depth of her feelings for both men. As she struggles to make a decision, Gilda's relationships with Otto and Leo become increasingly complicated, leading to a series of dramatic and comedic confrontations. Ultimately, Gilda must confront the reality of her situation and make a decision about which man she wants to be with. In a bold and unconventional move, she chooses to remain with her friends and her independence, rejecting the idea of traditional romantic love. The film ends with Gilda, Otto, and Leo continuing to live together and support one another, in a state of mutual understanding and respect. "Design for Living" is a comedy with a deep and nuanced exploration of the human psyche. The film's witty dialogue, charming performances, and sophisticated cinematography make it a landmark of the pre-Code era, a time when Hollywood was pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen. The film's themes of love, desire, and independence continue to resonate today, making it a timeless classic of American comedy.