Falling for the Enemy
Dear Friend...
There is something so satisfying about the written word. Words are important to a relationship at any stage because it strengthens the lines of communication... most of the time.
The Shop Around the Corner story arc follows correspondence between two lovers on paper/emails, who happen to be "Enemies" in person.
This story was created by a Hungarian playwright, Miklós László, called Parfumerié, when it made its way to Broadway it had changed to Shop Around the Corner and was quickly adapted for the silver screen... three times: Shop Around the Corner (1940), In the Good Old Summertime (1946) and You've Got Mail (1998). In 1960 it made its way back to Broadway, but this time as a musical called, She Loves Me, which had a revival in 2016.
Alright let's meet our players:
Alfred Kralik/Klara Novak (1940), Veronica Fisher/Andrew Larkin (1946), Joe Fox/Kathleen Kelly (1998), and
Amalia Balash/Georg Nowack (2016).
Letters are the first things established because we need to see the dichotomy between love and hate. Each set of letters/emails are normally initiated by the woman, she is looking for a companion to talk with about literature and life. The few versions that give us insight into what the letters say, spotlight a sweet poetry that can only be shared by someone that is putting a lot of thought into their words.
Often in my life, I have dreamed of being able to write and receive love letters. This story will always stick out in my head because they fall in love with each other on an intellectual level. No physical attraction or lust at first sight. There is a desire that both parties are attractive, but it is not truly important in the moment.
The introduction to the letters in Shop Around the Corner (1940).
Now I mentioned "hate" and this is the part that makes me smile. Competition is quickly established between our characters. Novak, Fisher, and Balash are all looking for a job, and are very determined to go above their "obstacle’s" head by talking to the shop owner and selling an atrocious item that would never move without a hard sale. Once they have the job our two characters are constantly at odds or trying to outdo the other’s performance. For Kelly and Fox, the competition is slightly more cutthroat because literal livelihoods are at stake.
Miss Fisher challenges Mr. Larkin in front of a customer. In the Good Old Summertime (1946).
When our lovers finally agree to meet, it is under some dire circumstances. Our ladies have already planned that this is the first step to an engagement. Kralik, Larkin, and Nowack have just quit their jobs, but Fox is on the verge of putting Kelly out of business. The boys are rightfully nervous about the meeting, especially since in their mind this is the woman that they will more than likely MARRY. Whatever the circumstances, it makes sense that the men would want to bring a friend to scope out the situation.
Joe Fox finds out that the woman he's been corresponding with online… “Is Kathleen Kelly.” You’ve Got Mail (1998).
Of course, there had to be tension at this meeting, there was no escaping it. He is trying to clear his conscious by not standing her up, but she has no idea what or who to expect and the last thing she wants is to see the man that is making her life a living "nightmare." Earlier these two characters were at each other’s throats blaming their current circumstances on the other’s inability to be polite or just plain stubbornness.
“Oh, I’m the one…” Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash during a spat. She Loves Me (2016).
Now that he knows who his mystery girl is, what is going through his head as he approaches his table? He knows that she is not his biggest fan, but is he trying to straighten this all out, or does he go with the slight intention of trying to aggravate her? In a couple of version you see him purposely trying to make her hate him. Maybe because it would be easier to fight with someone you hate than try to reconcile this “enemy” with his lady for the letter.
Fisher telling Larkin exactly what she thinks of him. In the Good Old Summertime (1946).
At first, he is just going to write it off as a mistake and learn to never trust his heart again. Something changes when he is confronted by her opinion of him. He decides to take responsibility for the constant disagreements and takes action to rectify her perception of him.
I think it is very interesting that it is always the man who finds out first. I have often wondered about this aspect. The only answer I can come up with is that the time frame, in which the original play was written, would tend to allow the man to carry the weight of the relationship.
He isn’t trying to change her, just her opinion of him and hopes that may act in his favor. This is shown in the scene where he goes to check on her after she calls in sick. Of course, her ailment is a broken heart from the absence of “Dear Friend” the night before, or in Kathleen’s and Amaila’s cases, it is an honest fever and a former colleague slipped the information to Fox and Nowack.
Our ladies’ reactions to the presence of the newly reformed “Enemy” varies, but they all seem to see the softer side of the gentlemen and –though surprised—have a change of opinion. A small one, but there is the second spark needed to fuel this potential blaze. In the 1940s versions, the gentleman just comes to chat with her and encourage her to rest. In the Musical and 1990s versions, he brings her something; Nowack brings Balash vanilla ice cream, and Fox brings Kelly daisies—their favorites.
It is fun to watch his opinion of her change as well. He gives longing looks hoping that one of his choice slip-ups would be noticed, but if nothing else he is happy to be in her good favor. I think She Loves Me had the best way of describing the change.
Georg Nowack has discovered that he loves Amalia and now wants to shout it from the rooftops. She Loves Me (2016).
Most of the versions quickly span a course of a couple of weeks, this allows our Hero to woo his lady in his own way. He puts some effort into his approach: helping her with work, lending her books, walking her to the bus or running into her, and making time to listen to her. He is officially chasing a fish he knows he has already caught, but he needed to know this time she wouldn’t flat out reject him.
My favorite example of this is when Joe Fox is testing the waters with Kathleen Kelly:
Joe subtly confesses his feelings to Kathleen. You’ve Got Mail (1998). That is in my top ten romantic speeches!
A lot could have been avoided if our characters would just pay attention to each other and the situations they are put in, but sadly that is realistic to most relationships.
But in the end, they came together and just in time for a beautiful happily ever after.
This story may not stick out to you in the same way, but it pulls at all my key heartstrings. There is a small element of satisfaction that bubbles inside me when two characters that have every reason to not be together DECIDED to set that aside and live a loving and happy life together.
Until Next Time,
Peace Out Lovers!
