Design for Living Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two artists and a sassy woman attempt ethical non-monogamy in 1930s Paris, but mostly just end up rearranging furniture and feelings.

🍿 Design for Living: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting in Paris

The film begins with playwright Tom Chambers (Fredric March) and painter George Curtis (Gary Cooper), two struggling American artists living in Paris. They encounter Gilda Farrell (Miriam Hopkins), a free-spirited commercial artist, on a train. Gilda’s wit and charm captivate both men, and a spark ignites between the trio.

A Gentleman’s Agreement

Unable to choose between Tom and George, Gilda proposes a radical solution: they will all live together platonically. They establish a “gentleman’s agreement” to focus on their art and friendship, setting aside romantic entanglements. Gilda acts as their muse and critic, pushing them to achieve greater success in their respective fields.

Temptation and Jealousy

The platonic arrangement proves difficult to maintain. When Tom leaves for London to oversee a production of his play, Gilda and George succumb to temptation and begin a romantic relationship. Upon Tom’s return, he discovers their affair, leading to jealousy and conflict among the three. Gilda then leaves both men to marry her former boss, Max Plunkett.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thomas B. ‘Tom’ Chambers (Fredric March): A struggling playwright in Paris who falls in love with Gilda and enters into a unique living arrangement with her and his best friend.
• George Curtis (Gary Cooper): A struggling painter and Tom’s roommate, who also falls for Gilda, creating a romantic and social dilemma for the trio.
• Gilda Farrell (Miriam Hopkins): A free-spirited artist who is drawn to both Tom and George, proposing a platonic living arrangement to avoid choosing between them.
• Max Plunkett (Edward Everett Horton): A wealthy advertising executive and Gilda’s admirer, who provides her with stability but is ultimately not her true love.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Max Plunkett: “Immorality may be fun, but it isn’t fun enough to take the place of one hundred percent virtue and three square meals a day.” – Max delivers this line, representing a more conventional viewpoint on morality and life.
• Gilda Farrell: “I know we had a gentlemen’s agreement, but I’m not a gentleman.” – Gilda says this to George while lying provocatively on a couch, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining a platonic relationship.
• Tom Chambers: “Delicacy is the banana-peel under the feet of Truth.” – Tom utters this clever line showcasing the witty dialogue present in the script.
• George Curtis: “Let’s drink to smallpox.” – George makes a darkly comedic toast in response to a previous slight, exemplifying the film’s subversive humor.
• Tom Chambers: “In Latin, Variola Cocca!” – Tom replies adding to the prior toast, further intensifying the dark humor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $663,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $157

💥 Design for Living Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by ‘Design for Living’! I had no idea 1930s cinema could be so progressive. Miriam Hopkins is captivating, and the dynamic between the three leads is electric. The whole ‘gentleman’s agreement’ thing is hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud constantly. The ending left me wanting more! A must-watch for anyone who loves classic movies with a twist.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in pre-Code cinema”
  • “Those who enjoy sophisticated wit and innuendo”
  • “Anyone seeking unconventional love stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes and innuendo”
  • “Discussions of sexual relationships”
  • “Infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “Even with Hays Code limitations, the movie boldly explores premarital sex, cohabitation, and adultery through witty dialogues and implied scenes. A milestone in comic filmmaking.
• Rollingstone.com: “This comedy is a pre-Code masterpiece. The witty script and sophisticated performances make it as engaging and scandalous today as it was in 1933.

Audience Reactions

The movie is hilarious and offers a refreshing perspective on love and relationships.: Viewers praised the film for its witty dialogue and unique exploration of love and freedom.

Overall Consensus: A risqué and witty pre-Code comedy exploring unconventional relationships, praised for its sharp writing and engaging performances, and recognized as a daring film for its time.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ben Hecht famously said that only one line from Noël Coward’s original play made it into the film.”
• “The film faced censorship difficulties due to its exploration of sexuality and suggestive innuendo.”
• “Miriam Hopkins was one of Ernst Lubitsch’s favorite actresses, frequently collaborating with him.”

🖥️ How to Watch Design for Living?

Design for Living is currently unavailable for streaming on major platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, or Hulu. However, you can find it for purchase or rental on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon. Check your local listings for possible television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Design for Living, you might like these similar films:

• Trouble in Paradise (1932): Another sophisticated pre-Code comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch, known for its witty dialogue and exploration of relationships.
• Jules and Jim (1962): This French New Wave film explores a similar love triangle dynamic, where two men are both in love with the same woman.
• Private Lives (1931): Adapted from Noël Coward’s play, this pre-code romantic comedy showcases witty banter and complicated relationships.
• Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008): A more modern exploration of a love triangle, with complex relationships and blurred lines between love and friendship.
• Harold and Maude (1971): A cult classic romantic black comedy with a considerable age difference and unusual themes.

🛒 Design for Living Related Products

• Design for Living (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A digitally restored version of the film in the Criterion Collection, featuring insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes content. A must-have for film enthusiasts.
• 1930s Art Deco Style Poster Print: High-quality print poster showcasing the art deco style of Design for Living. Perfect for decorating your home theater.
• The Complete Noël Coward Plays: Seven Volumes: A Kindle edition of the complete plays of Noël Coward, including the original “Design for Living”. Includes commentary and historical context.
• Gary Cooper: An American Hero: A deep dive into the career of the great Gary Cooper with a focus on the Design For Living movie. Behind the scenes footage of how he became a star. Never before seen interviews and images

🎧 Soundtrack

Design for Living features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Star Spangled Banner” – performed by John Stafford Smith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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