Watch To Have or Not to Have

To Have or Not to Have is a 1944 romantic comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch, set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II. The movie follows the story of a suave thief named Gaston Monescu, played by the charming and charismatic actor, Herbert Marshall, who steals from the rich and sophisticated ladies of Europe. He meets his match in Lily, played by the beautiful actress, Miriam Hopkins, who is also a thief, and the only one who has ever managed to outsmart him. Gaston and Lily start out as rivals, but their shared love for each other and their craft pulls them together.

The plot thickens when they go to Paris and realize that they are wanted by the police. In Paris, they accidentally get involved with a wealthy American woman, Madame Mariette Colet, played by Kay Francis, who owns a high-end perfume company. Monescu decides to use his charm to seduce Madame Colet and take advantage of her status to embezzle money from her company. As the two thieves plan to pull off their scheme, they realize their feelings for each other are growing stronger.

The movie is a classic example of Lubitsch's sophisticated brand of comedy, known for its light touch, witty dialogue, and visual gags. The movie features Lubitsch's famous 'triple entendre,' where the characters' spoken lines have multiple interpretations, adding to the humor of the situation. The film is full of sly innuendos, and it plays with and combines both sexual and business problems. Despite being set during a dark time in history, the movie keeps the atmosphere light thanks to Lubitsch's light touch, sometimes referred to as 'the Lubitsch Touch.'

To Have or Not to Have is a romantic comedy that is also a heist film, and this combination gives the movie a unique flavor. The movie's heist plot is complex and clever, but it is the relationship between Gaston and Lily that is the charm of the story. Their witty banter and sometimes comic bickering are entertaining to watch unfold. The story moves at a brisk pace, offering the audience constant action and joking from start to finish.

The cast is exceptional, with Herbert Marshall being just as suave and sophisticated as his character should be. He exudes charm and oozes confidence, striking the perfect balance between being suave and being a burglar. His love interest, played by Miriam Hopkins, is just as quick-witted and charming as Gaston himself. Her charisma is equally appealing, and she displays a great deal of chemistry with Marshall, making their romance credible and enjoyable for the audience to watch.

Kay Francis, who plays Madame Colet, is stern and dignified, as one would expect from a wealthy perfume mogul. She oozes power and commands respect, making her a believable target for Monescu and Lily's heist. She exquisitely performs her character as a woman who can handle her own in the world of business, but who lets herself fall for Monescu's charm.

The film's cinematography is stunning as well. The use of shadows and lighting adds depth and sophistication to the scenes, creating a fascinating visual experience. The sets are also remarkable, with a lot of attention paid to the little details of the locations, which adds to the film's thematic richness.

In conclusion, To Have or Not to Have is a remarkable movie that combines romance, comedy, and heist elements. The story is witty and cleverly constructed, and the characters are charming and engaging. It has just the right combination of humor, romance, and drama to make it a must-watch classic film of the Golden Age of Hollywood. It is not only a unique example of romantic comedy but also a well-executed heist movie. The film is a testament to Lubitsch's genius for combining genre elements to create something new and delightful.