Shop Around the Corner (1940)
The Original Version of You’ve Got Mail
Shop Around the Corner is a classic romantic comedy with a clever twist in which the two main characters are simultaneously in love and detest each other, giving new meaning to love-hate relationships. While not the greatest film of its time, Shop Around the Corner is definitely fun, clever and memorable.
The Plot of Shop Around the Corner
Shop Around the Corner follows two workmates who detest each other, but who happen to be secret penpals in love with each other. Neither knows the other writers true identity and hilarity ensues as they praise each other through letters, while tearing each other apart when confronted face to face.
Some may notice similarities with the modern film You’ve Got Mail, which is a modern adaptation of Shop Around the Corner. To pay homage to the original, Meg Ryan’s children’s bookstore is even named after the original film, which is by far the better film.
Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan Play Not So Star-Crossed Lovers
Jimmy Stewart plays Alfred Kralik, a shop assistant who knows more about the store than the manager, while Margaret Sullavan plays Klara Novak, a brilliant saleswoman in desperate search for work. They have great chemistry together, continually fighting and putting each other down. The best scenes are when Novak unwittingly speaks highly of Kralik’s pseudonym, while putting him down.
Also part of the cast are William Tracy as Pepi, the errand boy whose carefree nature is fun and likable, and Felix Bressart as Pirovitch, one of Kralik’s closest friends and co-workers. These two gentleman, with their clever wit and a talent for acting, add greatly to the humor of the film.
Conclusion
Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan succeed in creating an intriguing relationship filled with its own special nuances. Lesser actors would not have been able to make the film as charming or hilarious. Even Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, who usually have such great on screen chemistry, fail at really producing a believable email/real life romance/hatred in You’ve Got Mail.
The actors combine well with the supporting cast to create some really memorable moments. From Pirovitch first recognising Novak as Kralik's secret penpal to Pepi's constant ranting, the film is filled with laughs. Although the film isn’t spectacular in terms of a moral story, like Jimmy Stewart’s other films, it is a fun romantic classic that lives on today.
There are so many different styles of romance films and comedies, but they don't make comedies like this anymore.
The Shop Around the Corner
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