Summary
In an exquisitely crafted comedic ballet of social stratagem and vocal aspiration, Ernst Lubitsch's 'The Mixed Ladies Chorus' unfurls the intricate tapestry of the 'Harmonious Dames,' a newly inaugurated amateur singing ensemble within the gilded confines of a bustling European metropolis. Presided over by the perpetually charming, if financially precarious, Baron von Kessel, the chorus becomes a microcosm of class distinctions and burgeoning desires. We are introduced to a captivating array of personalities: Frau Schmidt, whose formidable mezzo-soprano belies her humble baker's wife origins; Miss Eleanor Finch, a governess whose tightly-laced existence finds unexpected release in melodic expression; the enigmatic Madame Dubois, a widow whose dramatic flair extends beyond her vocal solos to her closely guarded personal life; and the spirited young Liesl, a seamstress whose soaring ambitions are as vibrant as her youthful voice. The Baron, initially viewing the chorus as a convenient vehicle for attracting affluent benefactors and, perhaps, a well-heeled spouse, orchestrates a series of meticulously planned social events, each a delicate dance of pretense. Yet, as rehearsals progress and their individual lives become inextricably interwoven, a symphony of romantic misunderstandings, subtle rivalries, and whispered intrigues begins to swell. The 'mixed' nature of the ensemble transcends mere vocal range or social standing, encompassing their diverse, often conflicting, motivations and affections. The narrative builds to a crescendo at a grand charity concert, where the accumulated personal dramas threaten to spectacularly unravel the entire performance, forcing the disparate members to confront their individual follies and ultimately discover a genuine, albeit ironically achieved, harmony, both on the stage and within their own complex lives.
