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© 2026 Criteria. Not affiliated with The Criterion Collection.

Still from Design for Living — Design for Living (1933) — Ernst LubitschPhotographed by Victor Milner

Poster for Design for Living

Design for Living

United States / English / 1933 / 1h 31m

Not streamingNot currently on the Criterion Channel.

Criterion Collection: Spine №592
Letterboxd: 3.93/5·25.3K ratings·8.6K reviewson Letterboxd
Connections: View Connections

Synopsis

An independent woman can't choose between the two men she loves.

Wes Anderson
Jul 2026
Annie Baker and Lucian Johnston
Apr 2024

Hari Nef

Jun 2023

Laurie Anderson

Jun 2015

Included in
November 2023
Position 18
Included in
Pre-Code Divas
Position 14
Included in
Pre-Code Paramount
Position 11
Included in
March 2023
Position 25
Included in
March 2022
Position 24

Credits

Crew

DirectorErnst Lubitsch

WriterBen Hecht

CinematographerVictor Milner

ComposerJohn Leipold

EditorFrances Marsh

ProducerErnst Lubitsch

Cast

Fredric Marchas Tom Chambers

Miriam Hopkinsas Gilda Farrell

Gary Cooperas George Curtis

Edward Everett Hortonas Max Plunkett

Franklin Pangbornas Mr. Douglas

Isabel Jewellas Plunkett's Stenographer

Jane Darwellas Curtis' Housekeeper

Wyndham Standingas Max's Butler

Cosmo Kyrle Bellewas Man (uncredited)

Lionel Belmoreas Theatre Patron (uncredited)

Thomas Braidonas Douglas' Second Manager (uncredited)

Nora Cecilas Tom's Secretary (uncredited)

Émile Chautardas Train Conductor (uncredited)

Mathilde Comontas Heavy Woman (uncredited)

Adrienne D'Ambricourtas Cafe Proprietress (uncredited)

James Donlanas Fat Man with Ring (uncredited)

Harry Dunkinsonas Mr. Egelbauer (uncredited)

Estelle Etterreas Woman in Audience (uncredited)

Helena Phillips Evansas Mrs. Egelbauer (uncredited)

Charles K. Frenchas Theatre Patron (uncredited)

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Poster for Bluebeard

Bluebeard1938

Both directed by Ernst Lubitsch, and both starring Edward Everett Horton and Gary Cooper

Or

I Married a Witch1942Both picked by Laurie Anderson in the Criterion Closet, and both starring Fredric March
To Be or Not to Be1942Both directed by Ernst Lubitsch

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

Poster for Jules and Jim

Jules and Jim

1962

Poster for The Smiling Lieutenant

The Smiling Lieutenant

1931

Poster for Trouble in Paradise

Trouble in Paradise

1932

Articles

via Criterion Collection

Three Reasons: Design for LivingDec 8, 2011
Design for Living: It Takes ThreeKim Morgan — Dec 6, 2011
Noël Coward in New YorkMar 7, 2012
Design for Living: Notes on the PlayBarry Day — Dec 26, 2011

Design for Living (1933) | Criteria