The Isle of Lies: A Toothpaste Contest Dream Gone Wrong

Should you bother?

If you like movies where people run around in suits and fancy dresses acting flustered because they lied about their last name, you'll probably enjoy this. It’s light, fluffy, and honestly, mostly forgettable. If you need something with a plot that makes actual sense or has a bit of bite, skip it. You will probably hate it if you get annoyed by characters who can't just tell the truth for five minutes.

There is something about the absurdity of a toothpaste contest prize being a trip to the Baltic seashore that just tickles me. It’s so specific, right? Like, back in the day, that was the peak of luxury. You win the tube, you go to the beach. Simple times.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of The Isle of Lies (1932) through its definitive frames.

The whole thing feels a bit like Mistaken Identity but with way more seaside wind and less urgency. Kitty Meinhardt is doing a lot of heavy lifting here just by looking confused in every other shot. Sometimes I think she was actually confused about where the camera was.

Odd moments that stuck

• There's a scene in the lobby where the lighting just... gives up. Everyone looks like a ghost for about thirty seconds.
• The dialogue is fast. Maybe too fast? It’s like the actors were trying to finish the movie before the tide came in.
• I spent most of the second act wondering if anyone actually likes the taste of that toothpaste.
• The extras in the background of the resort scenes are just walking in circles. I counted three times.

It reminds me a little bit of the energy in Blonde Crazy, though it lacks that sharp, snappy edge. It’s softer. It’s almost like it’s afraid to be too funny, so it settles for being 'pleasant'.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of The Isle of Lies (1932) through its definitive frames.

When the millionaire finally shows up, the movie changes. It becomes this weird dance of people trying to look important. It’s not great, but it’s human. You can see the actors struggling to keep a straight face when the plot holes start getting wide enough to drive a truck through.

It’s not a masterpiece. It’s not even a particularly good movie by modern standards. But sometimes you just want to watch a girl win a contest, go to a beach, and lie to a bunch of rich people for an hour. 🌊

Don't look for deep meaning. Just look at the hats. The hats are pretty fantastic.