Formula One rookie Hardy Krüger has an an accident and is shipped off to Switzerland to recover where he falls for Argentinian millionairess Joan de Portago (Tilda Thamar - both fab names ;-)). Coming back to Munich where his wife Ruth Leuwerik has worked on their newly bought house and a career as photographer he confesses to her. She "confesses" (i. e. lies) to her "old baby" (sic) to being in love with an other man too which hurts his manliness, a tactic all us girls should consider when in such a situation. After a riotous party with a lot of hilarious banter which looks like a foreboding of Holly Golightly's in "Breakfast" it all falls into place. The very lovely Joan gets hitched with long time admirer, debonair Hans Söhnker and Ruth and Hardy set off to Italy. Sounds silly? No. This is a truly nice movie with great dialogue and acting. Adding to the fun are the fabulous 50's interiors, costumes (by the wonderful Charlotte Flemming, Germanys answer to Edith Head, she later did "Cabaret"), cars and constant smoking. If you see this movie it's hard to believe that it was made only eight years after WW2. Check out the Formula One race on Nürburgring when the change of tires took 22 seconds (not bad at all)and flamboyant drivers wore fancy scarves. Another nice touch is that "the other woman" is portrayed as being rather a nice person with a heart. Fita Benkhoff as Ruths bohemian supportive friend with a mouth like a machine gun, legend Therese Giehse and Hans Söhnker give great support.
2 Reviews
Light comedy of great charm
jandewitt18 July 2004
Surprisingly light and daffy comedy with two great (and greatly underrated) actors in the lead. Hardy Krüger, often wasted in weepy melodramas opposite Maria Schell (who was able to cry on demand and build a nice career on it) is a reckless, charming young man and race-driver (quite unusual for German cinema during the stiff and boring Adenauer Restauration). He is married to lovely Ruth Leuwerik, a statuesque beauty of patrician good looks (Germany's answer to Greer Garson, but a lot more talent, who is a successful artist. Both star show amazing chemistry and the script is sparkling, often risqué, but, in all fairness, sometimes just blabla.
Later the year Miss Leuwerik found her perfect match opposite the wooden Dieter Borsche in the tremendously successful 'Königliche Hoheit' and went on the even greater success in 'Die Trapp Familie'. When the 60's dawned her career had already waned and she went into retirement. Largely forgotten she was rediscovered in 2004 by critics and fans.
A bit long at the end, the pic is worth watching.
Later the year Miss Leuwerik found her perfect match opposite the wooden Dieter Borsche in the tremendously successful 'Königliche Hoheit' and went on the even greater success in 'Die Trapp Familie'. When the 60's dawned her career had already waned and she went into retirement. Largely forgotten she was rediscovered in 2004 by critics and fans.
A bit long at the end, the pic is worth watching.
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