The Love Parade (1929)

A womanizing military attache (Maurice Chevalier) in Paris is ordered to return to his home country to avoid a scandal. Reporting to the Queen (Jeanette MacDonald in her film debut), they find themselves attracted to each other and marry. But the marriage reduces him to a mere sex object to the man hungry Queen. As her husband, he has no authority, no duties but to satisfy the Queen's lust. Based on the play THE PRINCE CONSORT by Jules Chancel and Leon Xanrof and directed by Ernst Lubitsch (CLUNY BROWN). Lubitsch's first sound film is a charming and sophisticated musical and a perfect example of the "Lubitsch touch". Witty, slightly risque and the songs are perfectly incorporated into the narrative rather than just tossed in. Jeanette MacDonald shows what a sexy minx she was before MGM and Nelson Eddy got a hold of her and turned her into a singing version of Norma Shearer. As their servants, Lillian Roth and the nimble Lupino Lane provide a contrast to the royal couple and their number Let's Be Common is a highlight. With Eugene Pallette and E.H. Calvert.