Design for Living 1933
Penniless in Paris, unpublished playwright Tom Chambers and un-exhibited artist George Curtis aren't getting very far with their respective careers. But their looks attract the daring young Gilda (pronounced "Jill-da") Farrell. She's an emancipated commercial artist open to new romantic ideas, within reason. Both men go for Gilda and make separate attempts to monopolize her affections. When each is caught trying to elbow the other out, they decide that Gilda is manipulating them, and back off. That doesn't work either. Realizing that the situation calls for creative thinking, Gilda proposes that they live as a threesome. They can enjoy each other's company and Gilda will do her best to help all three of them attain their artistic goals. The one rule is, no sex! Though their “gentleman’s agreement” works for a while, it’s only a matter of time before hearts are broken.

BD50, DVD9+DVD5 | 1080p AVC, NTSC 4:3 | 01:31:32 | 44.4 Gb + 11.5 Gb
Language: English
Subtitles: English

Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Cast: Fredric March, Gary Cooper, Miriam Hopkins
Country: USA
Genre: Comedy, Romance

Extras:

"The Clerk" - a segment of the 1932 omnibus film If I Had a Million, starring Charles Laughton and directed by Ernst Lubitsch. In English, not subtitled. (3 min, 1080i).

Selected-Scene Commentary - in this selected-scene commentary, film professor William Paul, author of Ernst Lubitsch's American Comedy, discusses the production history of the film and offers a visual analysis of the film, as well as the development of the director's style from Trouble in Paradise to Design for Living. In English, not subtitled. (36 min, 1080p).

Joseph McBride: The Screenplay - in this new video interview, film scholar and screenwriter Joseph McBride discusses the structure of Design for Living, its differences and similarities with Noel Coward's play, Ben Hecht's script and legacy, etc. The interview was recorded exclusively for Criterion in 2011. In English, not subtitled. (23 min, 1080p).

Play of the Week: A Choice of Coward - a 1964 British television production of the original Design for Living, introduced by Noel Coward. In English, not subtitled. (74 min, 1080i).