This is a prime example of the wonderful Austrian comedies that were produced before the country was taken over by Nazi Germany in 1938. Though not quite as witty and touching as Henry Koster's comedies made in Vienna around the same time this movie combines a hilarious story line with human warmth. It reflects a period when Europe was still suffering the consequences of the deep economic crisis in the early 1930s. Therefore money was easily confounded with happiness. Emo's comedy tries to show that there is more to life than just financial security. At the same time the film's rather implausible operetta ending proves that in real life things definitely can be more difficult to achieve than on the silver screen.
Aside from Emo's usually reliable directing skills it's the actors that move this superb comedy to a higher level. The great Hans Moser excels in a magnificent cast that includes the inimitable Adele Sandrock, Hermann Thimig, Lizzi Holzschuh, and Heinz Rühmann. Theo Lingen and Rudolf Carl provide for some terrific comedic moments.
The film was produced by Oskar Glück and his Projektograph production company. His work sadly ended when Nazi Germany annexed Austria and Austrian Jews were persecuted. Which retrospectively gives this comedy a tragic aftertaste. Robert Stolz whose charming waltz accompanies the story was more blissed: Being a strong opposer of the Nazis he emigrated to the United States and returned to his native Austria only after the war and the horrors of the Nazi regime had finally ended.
Aside from Emo's usually reliable directing skills it's the actors that move this superb comedy to a higher level. The great Hans Moser excels in a magnificent cast that includes the inimitable Adele Sandrock, Hermann Thimig, Lizzi Holzschuh, and Heinz Rühmann. Theo Lingen and Rudolf Carl provide for some terrific comedic moments.
The film was produced by Oskar Glück and his Projektograph production company. His work sadly ended when Nazi Germany annexed Austria and Austrian Jews were persecuted. Which retrospectively gives this comedy a tragic aftertaste. Robert Stolz whose charming waltz accompanies the story was more blissed: Being a strong opposer of the Nazis he emigrated to the United States and returned to his native Austria only after the war and the horrors of the Nazi regime had finally ended.