The Shop Around the Corner Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two coworkers who hate each other write anonymous love letters only to find out that they are each other’s catfish.

🍿 The Shop Around the Corner: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Matuschek’s and its Employees

The film introduces us to Matuschek’s, a charming gift shop in Budapest, Hungary, owned by the kindly Mr. Hugo Matuschek. Among his employees is Alfred Kralik, a dedicated and experienced salesman who has been with the store for nine years. Life at Matuschek’s is generally pleasant, though the undercurrent of the Great Depression looms with the employees needing to depend on their job.

The Arrival of Klara Novak and Workplace Tension

Klara Novak arrives seeking employment, and despite initial reluctance, Mr. Matuschek hires her due to her sales acumen. This sets up an immediate rivalry and tension between Klara and Alfred, who clash frequently over their differing opinions and work styles. The audience sees the first hints of their true feelings, with passive aggressive comments and a clear irritation with each other. The reality is that the two fill a void of loneliness in each other’s lives.

Secret Pen Pals and Unbeknownst Romance

Unbeknownst to each other, both Alfred and Klara are engaged in a secret pen pal relationship through a lonely hearts club. They exchange heartfelt letters, revealing their innermost thoughts and desires to their anonymous correspondents. The irony is that they are unknowingly falling in love with each other through their letters, even as they bicker and argue in person.

Misunderstandings and Loss of Employment

A series of misunderstandings leads Mr. Matuschek to suspect Alfred of having an affair with his wife, resulting in Alfred being unjustly fired. This occurs just before Alfred is scheduled to meet his pen pal for the first time. Devastated and confused, Alfred is present at the meeting place but does not identify himself to Klara, seeing that she is the one he has been exchanging letters with.

Matuschek’s Revelation and Reconciliation

Mr. Matuschek discovers the truth about his wife’s infidelity and realizes his mistake in firing Alfred. Overcome with guilt and despair, he attempts suicide but is saved by the delivery boy, Pepi Katona. Following his recovery, Mr. Matuschek reinstates Alfred, promoting him to manager of the store.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alfred Kralik (James Stewart): A dedicated and lonely salesman at Matuschek’s who unknowingly corresponds with his coworker as a pen pal.
• Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan): A determined saleswoman at Matuschek’s who is unaware that her antagonistic coworker is her secret pen pal.
• Hugo Matuschek (Frank Morgan): The kindly but troubled owner of Matuschek and Company who wrongly suspects his employees and faces personal crises.
• Ferencz Vadas (Joseph Schildkraut): A deceitful and ambitious employee at Matuschek’s who engages in an affair with Matuschek’s wife.
• Pirovitch (Felix Bressart): A friendly and supportive employee at Matuschek’s, serving as a confidant to Alfred.
• Pepi Katona (William Tracy): An ambitious and resourceful errand boy at Matuschek’s who dreams of becoming a salesman.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alfred Kralik: “My dear Miss Novak, people who detest each other can’t go on working side by side like that. It spoils business.” – Alfred expresses his frustration with Klara’s presence after she gets hired, highlighting their initial animosity.
• Alfred Kralik: “Sometimes I wonder if maybe I shouldn’t look for a girl who isn’t quite so brilliant. It might be more restful.” – Alfred expresses his thoughts about Klara, unaware that she is the woman he is falling for through letters.
• Klara Novak: “As long as the envelope is closed, you’re a millionaire.” – Klara expresses her faith in her anonymous pen pal romance and the hope it represents.
• Pirovitch: “Let me give you a piece of advice, Mr. Kralik. If you’re going to be rude to a woman, there’s no use being only half-hearted about it.” – Pirovitch comments on Alfred’s behavior towards Klara, observing his mixed feelings.
• Alfred Kralik: “It was wonderful, like music. Distant music. I didn’t know people like that existed.” – Alfred describes the effect Klara’s letters had on him, expressing his idealization of his anonymous pen pal.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $42,219

💥 The Shop Around the Corner Reviews

Personal Review

Oh, this movie! I fell completely in love with the story and the characters. Jimmy Stewart is adorable and Margaret Sullavan is wonderful. I adored the scene where they finally realize who each other is. It made me giddy with happiness. It’s the kind of movie that makes you believe in the power of love and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, especially during the holidays!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic romantic comedies”
  • “Lovers of old Hollywood films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of humor”
  • “People who appreciate films with strong character development and witty dialogue”
  • “Those looking for a feel-good Christmas movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depiction of attempted suicide”
  • “Themes of infidelity”
  • “Mild workplace conflict”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “A truly delightful film. Ernst Lubitsch crafts a romantic comedy that’s both hilarious and touching, featuring superb performances from James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. It’s a timeless classic that continues to charm audiences of all ages.
• IMDb: “Romantic comedy perfection! With its flawless screenplay and cast, it’s the most subtle, discreet, and understated of romantic comedies. What other film manages to be so warm-hearted yet so rigorously unsentimental? A true classic!

Audience Reactions

The witty banter between Stewart and Sullavan is comedy gold.: Viewers universally praise the charming story and excellent performances, especially the chemistry between the leads.

Frank Morgan delivers a surprisingly emotional performance that adds depth.: The supporting cast, including Frank Morgan, is frequently cited for adding richness and depth to the story.

Overall Consensus: A beloved romantic comedy with charming performances, witty writing, and a heartwarming story that transcends time.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James Stewart considered working with Margaret Sullavan as one of the great joys of his professional career.”
• “The film is based on the play ‘Parfumerie’ by Hungarian playwright Miklós László.”
• “Although set in Budapest, Hungary, the film was entirely shot in a studio in Culver City, California.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Shop Around the Corner?

The Shop Around the Corner is available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings or streaming service providers for availability, as options may vary by region. You can also check your local library for DVD availability. Keep an eye out for special holiday broadcasts on classic movie channels like TCM during the Christmas season.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Shop Around the Corner, you might like these similar films:

• You’ve Got Mail (1998): A modern remake of the same story, updating the pen pals to email correspondents in a contemporary setting.
• In the Good Old Summertime (1949): Another remake of ‘The Shop Around the Corner’, this time as a musical set in a music shop in the early 1900s.
• She Loves Me (1963): A Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Parfumerie’, the same source material as ‘The Shop Around the Corner,’ showcasing the romantic story with song and dance.
• It Happened One Night (1934): Another romantic comedy from the same era that features a couple who initially dislike each other but gradually fall in love.
• While You Were Sleeping (1995): Features a woman falling in love with a man she doesn’t really know, leading to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt romance.

🛒 The Shop Around the Corner Related Products

• She Loves Me (Original Broadway Cast Recording): Enjoy the soundtrack to the Broadway musical based on “The Shop Around the Corner”. This album captures the wit and charm of the original production, including show-stopping performances and catchy melodies.
• The Complete James Stewart Collection: This box set features a collection of James Stewart’s most iconic films, including “The Shop Around the Corner.” It offers hours of classic entertainment and a glimpse into the career of one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.
• “You’ve Got Mail” [Blu-ray]: Own the modern remake of this classic film, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. This delightful romantic comedy captures the charm of the original with a contemporary twist.
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Delve into the world of classic literature with Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, the book used as a signal by Klara in the movie. Experience the timeless story of love, betrayal, and societal constraints.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Shop Around the Corner features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ochi Tchornya (Dark Eyes)” – performed by Traditional Russian folk song

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Shop Around The Corner – 1940 — OPENING TITLE SEQUENCE

Ever wondered how movies used to start? Check out the opening title sequence for ‘The Shop Around The Corner’ – it’s a cool little time capsule!

The Accidental Fascism of You’ve Got Mail: What This 90’s Rom-Com Is Really About

Did you know that ‘You’ve Got Mail’ is actually a remake of ‘The Shop Around the Corner’? This video dives deep into the modern version and uncovers some surprisingly dark themes. It really made me think about the original differently!

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