Ellen Frank Movies
- 1982
Ludwig (Helmut Griem) loves his wife Martha (Maja Komorowska) very much, something that is first apparent when they leave their home in Poland to venture into the unknown, capitalist "West." Maria has her own inner worries and fantasies that always lead to her taking most unusual action: dancing around a room while guests fidget uncomfortably, playing cowboys and Indians with the neighbor kids, turning the lawn into a series of potholes, or any number of other antics, including running off to become a nun. The long-suffering Ludwig does not falter in his devotion, though the reasons for Maria's unothodox behavior patterns are never quite clear. Perhaps Ludwig's sister Johanna (Eva Maria Meineke) is somehow involved, but even she does not survive to tell the tale. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Maja Komorowska, Helmut Griem, (more)
- 1974
Many people may not know that apartment leases in Germany are a lifetime affair, which is one reason apartments there are so difficult to find. Thus, it comes as something of a surprise to 82 year-old Lina Braake (Lina Carstens) when her bank kicks her out of the apartment she has been living in and forces her into a retirement home which, like its U.S. counterparts, treats its residents as if they were infants. There she meets a retired bank manager who delights in the idea of getting even with the men who wronged her. Together, they cook up a scheme so tight that the bank can do nothing when it figures out what has been going on. The title of the film, translated into English, tells the whole story in a nutshell: Lina Braake -- the Bank's Interests Can't Be the Interests Lina Braake Has. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lina Carstens, Fritz Rasp, (more)
- 1965
The German Hansel and Gretel was originally produced in 1954, but was withheld from American release because of a competing animated version. In 1965, a limited-release concerns called Childhood Productions managed to find several "four waller" bookings for the 11-year-old film. The story is the same as ever: forest urchins Hansel and Gretel venture into the woods, get lost, come across a gingerbread house, and foil the plans of a voracious witch. Dubbed into English, Hansel and Gretel was fitted out with a new musical score by Milton and Anne DeLugg. Its narrator was Paul Tripp, whom baby-boomers will fondly remember as TV's "Mr. I. Magination." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1936
The English-language title of this German comedy is Dissatisfied Woman. That's putting it mildly: Lisa Brandt (Fita Benkoff) is not only dissatisfied but downright contemptuous of her old-fashioned husband Paul (Johannes Riemann). She wants to modernize their home, but he can't bear to part with such vestiges of the past as a worn-out radio, an ancient car, and the gas stove in the bathroom. On the advice of her friends, Lisa tries to "cure" her husband by pretending she doesn't recognize him any more and by treating him as a total stranger. When wifey caps her deception by pretending to make love to the family doctor, hubby is snapped out of his antiquated ways immediately! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fita Benkhoff, Wolfgang Liebeneiner, (more)
- 1935
In this Swedish romance, a strapping farm boy is betrothed to a pretty socialite. Unfortunately, he really loves a simple girl from the marsh. His engagement to the wealthy lass is broken after he gets into a barroom brawl. He is then able to marry the woman he really loves. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1933
The title of this German musical comedy translates as Night of the Great Love. Czechoslovakian opera star Jarmila Novotna plays a famed diva who falls in love with much-younger naval officer Gustav Froehlich. Alas, Novotna is compelled to wed an elderly diplomat for the sake of her daughter Christiane Grautoff -- who is likewise smitten by Froelich. Surprise of surprises, Grautoff and Froelich aren't paid off in the final scene. Nacht der Grossen Liebe was filmed by the still-thriving German division of Universal Pictures. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jarmila Novotna, Gustav Fröhlich, (more)
