Step into a world of wit, whimsy, and social satire with “Cluny Brown” (1946), now brilliantly colorized for a new generation of classic film lovers. Directed by the legendary Ernst Lubitsch, this romantic comedy offers a unique blend of British class commentary and continental charm, making it a standout in the golden age of Hollywood. Whether you’re a devotee of vintage cinema or discovering Lubitsch’s genius for the first time, this HD download brings the film’s vibrant characters and lush English settings to life like never before.
Set in pre-war England, “Cluny Brown” introduces us to the irrepressible Cluny Brown (Jennifer Jones), a spirited young woman with a passion for plumbing—a decidedly unladylike pursuit in 1938 London. When Cluny fixes a clogged sink at the home of the well-to-do Mr. Ames, she crosses paths with Adam Belinski (Charles Boyer), a witty and unconventional Czech refugee. Their chemistry is immediate, but their worlds couldn’t be further apart.
Cluny’s uncle, scandalized by her independent streak, sends her off to work as a parlor maid at the country estate of Sir Henry Carmel and Lady Alice Carmel. There, Cluny finds herself under the watchful eyes of the stern housekeeper Mrs. Maile and the proper butler Mr. Syrette, navigating the rigid expectations of British class society. Meanwhile, Adam Belinski, now a guest at the Carmel estate, becomes both Cluny’s confidant and her secret admirer.
As Cluny attracts the attention of the earnest village chemist Jonathan Wilson, Adam must decide whether to let her slip into a life of safe predictability or encourage her to embrace her true, unconventional self. The story unfolds through a series of comic misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and a memorable plumbing mishap at a high-society party, all leading up to a heartwarming and unexpected conclusion at a bustling train station.
“Cluny Brown” features a dazzling ensemble of classic Hollywood talent:
Charles Boyer as Adam Belinski
Jennifer Jones as Cluny Brown
Peter Lawford as Andrew Carmel
Helen Walker as Betty Cream
Reginald Gardiner as Hilary Ames
Reginald Owen as Sir Henry Carmel
C. Aubrey Smith as Colonel Charles Duff Graham
Richard Haydn as Jonathan Wilson
Margaret Bannerman as Lady Alice Carmel
Sara Allgood as Mrs. Maile
Ernest Cossart as Syrette
Each character brings a unique flavor to this social satire, from the starry-eyed Andrew Carmel to the self-absorbed Betty Cream, making for a lively and unpredictable dinner party of personalities.
“Cluny Brown” is a sparkling romantic satire and British class comedy, blending elements of screwball humor, social commentary, and heartfelt romance. Lubitsch’s signature “touch” is evident throughout, balancing lighthearted farce with pointed observations about conformity and individuality.
Released in the aftermath of World War II, “Cluny Brown” stands as Ernst Lubitsch’s final completed film. It’s a loving send-up of British manners and social hierarchies, filtered through the eyes of outsiders—both the Czech refugee Belinski and the free-spirited Cluny. The film’s setting, on the eve of war, adds a bittersweet undertone to its otherwise effervescent comedy, highlighting the importance of living authentically in a world obsessed with appearances.
This colorized edition of “Cluny Brown” has been meticulously restored, using advanced digital techniques to enhance the film’s visual appeal. The process brings new depth to the rolling English countryside, the stately interiors of the Carmel estate, and the expressive faces of its cast. Every detail—from Cluny’s workaday uniforms to the elegant evening wear of the upper class—pops with fresh vibrancy, making the story more immersive for modern audiences.
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Screenplay: Samuel Hoffenstein, Elizabeth Reinhardt (based on the novel by Margery Sharp)
Cinematography: Joseph LaShelle
Editing: Dorothy Spencer
Production Company: Twentieth Century-Fox
Runtime: 100 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Works on all major devices—smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Upon its release, “Cluny Brown” was celebrated for its “delectable and sprightly lampoon” of British society and its “subtle, punchy comedy.” Critics praised the chemistry between Charles Boyer and Jennifer Jones, the sharp writing, and Lubitsch’s deft direction. Today, the film is regarded as a hidden gem of 1940s cinema, beloved for its wit, warmth, and timeless message of self-acceptance.
While widely known as “Cluny Brown,” the film is sometimes referenced as “The Lubitsch Touch Returns” in retrospectives, highlighting its place among the director’s most celebrated comedies.
Q: What is “Cluny Brown” about?
A: It’s a romantic satire set in pre-war England, following a spirited maid and a Czech refugee as they challenge social conventions and discover their true selves.
Q: Who are the stars of “Cluny Brown”?
A: Charles Boyer and Jennifer Jones lead a standout cast, with memorable support from Peter Lawford and Helen Walker.
Q: Is the colorized version true to the original?
A: The colorization process enhances the film’s visual richness while preserving Lubitsch’s original artistic vision.
Q: What genre is “Cluny Brown”?
A: It’s a romantic satire and British class comedy, blending romance, wit, and social commentary.
Q: Can I watch “Cluny Brown” on modern devices?
A: Yes, the HD download is compatible with all major devices.
Experience the wit, romance, and eccentricity of “Cluny Brown” in stunning color. Download the fully restored HD version and rediscover a lost classic of British satire and Hollywood charm!