Design for Living (1933)

7.4Passed88 minDirector: Ernst Lubitsch

1933 American film

Design for Living is a 1933 American pre-Code romantic comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch from a screenplay by Ben Hecht, based on the 1932 play of the same name by Noël Coward. Starring Fredric March, Gary Cooper, and Miriam Hopkins, the film is about a woman who cannot decide between two men who love her, and the trio agree to try living together in a platonic friendly relationship.

Criticism was mixed, with some critics praising the film, but many were ambivalent about its great departure from Coward's play. Coward said, "I'm told that there are three of my original lines left in the film—such original ones as 'Pass the mustard'." The film was a box office success, ranking as one of the top ten highest-grossing films of 1933. All three of the lead actors—March, Cooper, and Hopkins—received attention from this film as they were all at the peak of their careers.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is Design for Living about?
Design for Living (1933) — Two Americans sharing a flat in Paris, playwright Tom Chambers and painter George Curtis, fall for free-spirited Gilda Farrell. When she can't make up her mind which one of them she prefers, she proposes a "gentleman's agreement": She will move in with them as a friend and critic
Is Design for Living based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is Design for Living scary?
Content rating: Passed. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is Design for Living (1933) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex