Compared to other Ernst Lubitsch comedies, energetic romps and or robustly funny, 'That uncertain feeling' takes a bit of time to begin to reach its greatest potential. The adapted screenplay is filled with great cleverness, and the cast ably leans into their roles, yet the sense of humor feels marginally imbalanced - at times restrained as though the picture were built with the strict guidance of studio overseers instead of Lubitsch's own heart, and at other points a bit overly silly. For any perceived variations, though, there's a sharp intelligence here that more than not makes up for the lesser moments. I wouldn't begrudge anyone who doesn't find this entirely to their liking, but it's a great time and worth checking out if you have the opportunity.
Lubitsch is to be commended for so deftly orchestrating each scene, and getting the most out of the assembled actors. For indeed, as much as I've come to admire Lubitsch, I feel like it's the capable comedic sensibilities of Merle Oberon, Melvyn Douglas, and Burgess Meredith, and their co-stars, that do the most to cement the picture's worth. Each bear strong personality and nuance in their comportment and delivery, and explore their roles with wonderful spirit and utmost gaiety. Moreover, I've never seen Meredith so young as he is here, and he demonstrates a range I wasn't aware he had. I'm rather unfamiliar with Oberon, but she somewhat steals the show with superb physicality and liveliness. It's a joy to watch her especially, but certainly all others on hand, and I immediately want to watch more films from all involved.
And, importantly - while Lubitsch again demonstrates his abilities, and the players exhibit their great skills, 'That uncertain feeling' would be nothing if not for the fine screenplay conjured between Walter Reisch and Donald Ogden Stewart. Again, the end result is a little uneven throughout its length - sometimes kind of dragging, sometimes a little excessive. But by and large the movie is excellent, and tremendously funny in its absurdities and situational comedy. The film provides hearty laughs throughout (if inconsistently), and is roundly entertaining. And that's much to the credit of witty dialogue, vibrant and dynamic scene writing, diverse characterizations, and a lean but engaging narrative. Truly, this is a blast.
It's worth noting that in addition to fluctuations in the fullness of the humor, there are decidedly antiquated values on display that amount to indelicacies. For all the agency and independence that Jill Baker (Oberon) carries in her person, when all is said and done in some measure she's written with the same poor consideration of women that's all too typical of early cinema especially; for all the coldness and indifference that defines Larry Baker (Douglas), he is almost made out to be a upstanding and virtuous next to the stereotypical flitting whims of Jill. All of this is to say - to an extent 'That uncertain feeling' reinforces unseemly notions about gender dynamics that were old-fashioned from the moment they were devised, and which other features even preceding this one bested. It's not enough to wholly break our engagement, from the film, but it's an unfortunate footnote all the same.
Still - once more, to emphasize: though a smidgen imperfect, the value here well outweighs the disadvantages. Ernst Lubitsch was a brilliant director, the writers were smart and cunning, and the cast was exceptional in their performances. Though the issues are to be acknowledged, it's quite easy to wave them off thereafter and happily indulge in all the fun that the title has to offer. Clocking in at less than 90 minutes, 'That uncertain feeling' is a fine way to relax and enjoy oneself.
