Christmas Movie Review: Day Fifteen

Shop Around the Corner (1940)

Alfred Kralik (Jimmy Stewart) is the top salesman at a leather goods shop in Budapest, and his future is looking bright. Sure, maybe he and the boss seem to have tension between them lately, but that's all right, because Kralik is in love. He has been corresponding with a young woman through letters, and although he doesn't know what she looks like, he is convinced her heart is beautiful. 

 Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan) is a young woman newly hired to work at the same shop, and she and Alfred never seem to get along. Things get interesting, however, when its revealed that she has a mystery correspondent as well! Alfred discovers that his beautiful mystery lover is none other than the feisty Klara, but he doesn't tell her until the end of the film. 

This movie is one of my favorite Christmas classics. The romance is clean, and its funny to see the two argue and squabble, not knowing that they're the mystery lovers each one has been writing to. 

 The humor in here wonderful; just as only the old-timers could do. Klara's outfits are adorable, while the lovable Jimmy Stewart looks dashing in a humble way in those neat suits. Ah, why can't people dress like that anymore? 

The relationship between these two is positively adorable. At one point, Klara even admits that it seemed possible that she was falling in love with Alfred. Which couldn't be possible, of course, since he's nothing like her dear pen pal! 

 I just love how Alfred doesn't say anything until he truly believes he loves Klara, even though he knows through almost the entire film that he's her pen pal. And when she gets sick, it's adorable how concerned he is, urging her to get well, and confusing her with his attention. Why he's acting so tender with her, she just can't understand!

There are a few key points to the story that need to be pointed out. 

Mr. Hugo Matuschek, the shop's owner, is high-strung through entire story, until its revealed that he is suspecting his wife of cheating on him, AND he thinks the culprit is Alfred Kralik. It's later discovered that his suspicions are true, except the man is another co-worker of Alfred's. 

 The wife is never shown, and we never see or hear details about the affair. 

There is also a rather disturbing scene of Hugo trying to commit suicide, until a worker stops him. We don't see his attempt, but hear the gun go off and watch the bullet hit a light in the room. 

 I think there may be some drinking, but its very little. 

One kiss. 

Despite the sound of it, this movie really is clean, and such a joy to watch. I never get tired of Jimmy Stewart, and seeing him with Margaret Sullavan was adorable. The ending of this movie is sweet and happy, and it leaves you with all the warm 'fuzzies' inside. I highly recommend sitting down to watch this one! <333

My Review: Five Stars  

Have you watched this film?

                                                                                                           LaKaysha