Watch The Merry Jail

The Merry Jail, released in 1917, is a German silent comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The movie stars Harry Liedtke, Emil Jannings and Paul Biensfeldt in lead roles. The movie is a classic example of Lubitsch's famous "touch", which features his sophisticated blend of humor and romance, and his ability to make fun of social conventions in a subtle and charming way.

The story of The Merry Jail revolves around a young man named Max who gets arrested by mistake and is taken to a jail in a small village. Max, who comes from a wealthy family, is used to a life of luxury and privilege. However, he finds himself in a completely different world where his wealth doesn't matter and he is treated like any other prisoner.

In the jail, Max meets a group of men who are all in love with the daughter of the jailer. Max quickly falls in love with her too and decides to win her heart. However, he soon finds out that the only way he can win her is by pretending to be poor and living a simple life.

The movie is full of funny moments and comedic situations. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Max tries to cook for the prisoners but ends up making a complete mess of the kitchen. Another memorable scene is when Max tries to impress the jailer's daughter by telling her that he is a famous painter but is caught by the other prisoners who mock him for his lie.

The film features Lubitsch's trademark visual style, with its intricate camera work and clever use of mise-en-scene. The film uses a lot of close-ups and medium shots to bring the audience closer to the characters and their emotions. The use of light and shadow is also notable, especially in the scenes where Max and the jailer's daughter are together.

The acting in The Merry Jail is also noteworthy. Harry Liedtke delivers a charming performance as Max, capturing both his arrogance and his vulnerability. Emil Jannings, who would later become one of the biggest stars of the German silent era, delivers a performance that is both funny and touching.

Overall, The Merry Jail is a delightful comedy that showcases Lubitsch's unique style of filmmaking. The movie is a must-see for fans of silent era cinema and for those who appreciate the art of comedy.