I Don't Want to Be a Man 1918
Ernst Lubitsch's I Don't Want to Be a Man (1918) is a playful silent-era comedy that follows a rebellious young woman who rebels against her strict guardian's rules by disguising herself as a man.
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I Don't Want to Be a Man (1918) about?
The film follows a headstrong young woman who, frustrated by her rigid guardian's rules, disguises herself as a man to experience life on her own terms. But navigating the world as a man brings unexpected challenges and comedic twists, turning her adventure into a biting satire of societal norms.
Who directed I Don't Want to Be a Man?
Ernst Lubitsch, the German director known for his sharp wit and innovative storytelling, helmed this early silent comedy.
Who stars in I Don't Want to Be a Man?
The film stars Ossi Oswalda as the rebellious tomboy, with Curt Goetz, Ferry Sikla, Margarete Kupfer, and Victor Janson rounding out the cast.
Is I Don't Want to Be a Man (1918) worth watching?
As a silent-era comedy with themes far ahead of its time, I Don't Want to Be a Man offers a fun, nostalgic experience. While it's more of a historical curiosity than a modern masterpiece, its playful take on gender and freedom makes it a charming watch for fans of early cinema.
How long is I Don't Want to Be a Man?
The film runs for approximately 45 minutes.
About I Don't Want to Be a Man (1918) — The Silent-Era Comedy That Played With Gender Long Before Its Time
Ernst Lubitsch's I Don't Want to Be a Man (1918) is a playful silent-era comedy that follows a rebellious young woman who rebels against her strict guardian's rules by disguising herself as a man. Determined to escape her stifling upbringing, she quickly learns that swapping genders isn't the freedom she imagined—it comes with its own set of challenges and comedic mishaps. Directed with Lubitsch's signature wit, the film blends sharp social satire with lighthearted humor, exploring themes of identity, societal expectations, and the absurdity of gender norms long before such conversations became mainstream.
Ossi Oswalda shines in the lead role, bringing infectious energy to a character who defies convention in the most unexpected ways. The supporting cast, including Curt Goetz and Margarete Kupfer, adds depth and humor to this gender-bending farce. A century later, I Don't Want to Be a Man remains a delightful relic of early cinema—funny, ahead of its time, and surprisingly relatable in its portrayal of self-discovery.