Alma Seidler Movies
This is a deft satire by Axel von Ambesser that undercuts the adage that a soldier must always obey orders, no matter what. At the heart of the story is Schwejk (Heinz Ruhmann), a canine salesman who is drafted into the army during World War I. The setting is Bohemia when it was under the sway of a combined Austro-Hungarian rule. Once Schwejk has his uniform on he so devotedly follows the very letter of the law, every order that is given him, that he comes off as a total idiot. Nevertheless, he manages quite well with this tactic, whether it is feigned or not. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- 1957
The indefatigable Willi Forst was back in 1957 with Die Unentschuldigte Stunde (The Unexcused Hour). Following his usual pattern, Forst not only directed the picture, but also collaborated on the screenplay. Based on the popular stage play by Stefan Bekeffi and A. Stella, the story concerns a pretty young student (Erika Remberg) who marries her professor (Adrian Hoven). Our heroine continues pursuing her academic career, causing all sorts of complications for her husband. The film's title refers to the fact that student and teacher can never enjoy a moment alone -- unless it is an "unexcused absence." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Adrian Hoven, Erika Remberg, (more)
- 1948
Set during WWI, Der Engel Mit der Posaune is the melancholy tale of a woman (Paula Wesseley) who bows to family pressure and marries a man she does not love. In consequence, her actual sweetheart commits suicide. The woman elects to join him in death years later when the Gestapo decides to persecute her because of her Jewish forbears. Newsreel footage from both World Wars helps to inflate the film's running time to 135 minutes. An English-language version of Der Engel mit der Posaune, titled Angel With the Trumpet, was filmed in 1948 with Eileen Herlie in the lead. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Hedwig Bleibtreu, Helene Thimig, (more)
