Waltraut Haas Movies

The Beggar Student is based on Der Bettelstudent, the evergreen operetta by Carl Milloecker (previously filmed in 1936). Set in the 18th century, the story focuses in on the Countess Laura (Waltraut Haas), who has spurned the affections of wicked Colonel Ollendorf (Gustav Knath). Seeking revenge, the Colonel flimflams the Countess into marrying an impoverished student named Symon (Gerhard Riedmann). Little does he know that the beggar student is really of noble lineage (in this, he's three steps behind the audience). The Beggar Student is highlighted by the dancing of the Kessler Twins, a shapely duo then enjoying a vogue of popularity on American TV. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A retired circus clown overcomes the pain of his past to reach for the stars once again, only to find his dreams of success fading when his young performing partner is summoned back home to the United States. Six year old Ulli believes Teddy Lemke to be his real father, and Teddy is more than happy to indulge the wide-eyed youngster his fantasy as the pair take up residence in Miss Biermann's boarding house. Then, one day, Ulli discovers a children's clown outfit in the attic of the boarding house, prompting Teddy to finally come clean about his past. Back in the day, Teddy and his son were a famous father/son clown team who entertained the masses under the name "Teddy and Teddy." When the younger Teddy died in a tragic accident, his grieving father went into early retirement. But Ulli is convinced Teddy still has what it takes to be an entertainer, and before long the duo has begun performing together, successfully recapturing the spirit of the original "Teddy and Teddy." Just as the pair approaches the pinnacle of their success, however, everything threatens to fall apart when Ulli receives word that his mother has remarried, and wants her son to be a part of her new life in America. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

At the end of World War II, Austria was divided into four sectors, each governed by a separate world power. The Austrian citizenry chafed against foreign rule, and dreamed of the day that their country would again be an independent, self-governing nation. This is the premise of 1 April 2000 which prophesizes that independence will arrive on the titular date. To add a bit of spice to the proceedings, the scriptwriters contrive to have Austria's fate in the hands of a woman (Hilde Krahl) who is susceptible to romance. 1 April 2000 concludes with the imaginary "World Security Council" quelling a disastrous revolution armed with little more than good intentions. Financed by the Austrian government, 1 April 2000 is a mediocre effort even by the questionable standards of nationalistic propaganda. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The Austrian songfest Ideale Frau Gesucht (Ideal Girl Wanted) was tailored specifically to the talents of the popular Wolf Albach-Retty. This time, Albach-Retty plays magazine publisher Robby Holm, engaged in a circulation war with beautiful rival Irene Martens (Inge Eggar). A publicity stunt revolving around an "ideal woman" backfires, but that's not so bad since the end result is a lasting romance. The songs by Willi Berking are enjoyable, if not truly outstanding. In America, Ideale Frau Gesucht enjoyed a modicum of success in the existing German-language "kinos." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi