Ernst Lubitsch
Ernst Lubitsch (1892–1947) was a German-American director and producer who became one of the defining figures of the Hollywood sophisticated comedy. After establishing himself in Germany with silent comedies and historical features, he was recruited to Hollywood in the early 1920s and became famous for what critics called the Lubitsch touch — an elliptical, witty handling of bedroom-comedy material that suggested far more than it showed. He continued working into the early sound era with great success. His acclaimed films include Madame DuBarry, The Marriage Circle, Trouble in Paradise, Design for Living, The Shop Around the Corner, Ninotchka, and To Be or Not to Be.