Broken Lullaby

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Broken Lullaby

Released Jan 24, 1932

1h 17m

Drama

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8 Reviews

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Suffering from a guilty conscience, French violinist Paul Renard (Phillips Holmes) confesses to a priest (Frank Sheridan) that he killed a German soldier named Walter Holderin during World War I. He receives absolution, but isn't satisfied, and decides to locate the Holderin family in Germany. When he does, he deceives them into thinking that he and Walter were childhood schoolmates. Things get complicated, however, when he falls in love with pretty Elsa Holderin (Nancy Carroll).

R. Emmet Sweeney

Film Comment Magazine

[An] extraordinary stylistic experiment.

Apr 28, 2014

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...the picture improves immeasurably once Holmes’ character arrives in Germany to seek forgiveness...

Rated: 2.5/4

May 23, 2023

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Kathy Fennessy

Video Librarian Magazine

This unsung Lubitsch drama is just as deserving of attention as the director's stellar comedies, both for its timeless theme and heartfelt presentation.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 11, 2022

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Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

Broken Lullaby is a powerful pacifist pre-code film from a truly iconic director that is highly recommended

Rated: A

Dec 14, 2021

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Anne Brodie

What She Said

Not only is this a fascinating spiritual study that wouldn't fly now, but Lubitsch's story and eye are unparalleled.

Nov 19, 2021

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Roy V. Bailey

Sacramento Bee

It is a pleasure to recommend Broken Lullaby. It is decidedly different from the conventional film and has a message strongly portrayed that the things that unite humanity together are after all stronger than [our] differences.

Feb 10, 2021

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Amin G

I love this director. He has been very smart and this is another masterpiece of him focused on anti-war and the importance of emotions and beauty in life. The only weakness for me was Paul's performance

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/23/23

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william d

A touching story of redemption and forgiveness.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Frances H

Wonderful film that showcases the talent of Lionel Barrymore--his best film, in my opinion. A three hankie movie.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/16

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Audience Member

A rather interesting movie about a young French soldier who, after killing his German counterpart during World War I, assuages his guilt by visiting the German's family in order to apologize. Interesting character study with anti war overtones. Fed right into my obsession with the Great War.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Audience Member

very different for Lubitsch

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Audience Member

An emotional and intellectual critique of war as pointless. The movie is a tear jerker with funny moments. The resolution of the plot has a bit of a twist.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

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Ernst Lubitsch

Director

Lionel Barrymore

Dr. H. Holderlin

Nancy Carroll

Fraulein Elsa, Walter's Fiance

Phillips Holmes

Paul Renaud

Lucien Littlefield

Herr Walter Schultz

Tom Douglas

Walter Holderlin, German soldier killed by Paul

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Synopsis

Suffering from a guilty conscience, French violinist Paul Renard (Phillips Holmes) confesses to a priest (Frank Sheridan) that he killed a German soldier named Walter Holderin during World War I. He receives absolution, but isn't satisfied, and decides to locate the Holderin family in Germany. When he does, he deceives them into thinking that he and Walter were childhood schoolmates. Things get complicated, however, when he falls in love with pretty Elsa Holderin (Nancy Carroll).

Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Producer: Ernst Lubitsch
Screenwriter: Reginald Berkeley, Samson Raphaelson
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 24, 1932, Original
Release Date (DVD): Oct 30, 2015
Runtime: 1h 17m