Paul Christian Movies
- 1959
The search for the notorious German Field Marshal's legendary treasure forms the basis of this adventure that chronicles the efforts of a small group of people, each with a different design on the loot, to find it. One fellow wants to use the money to help the families of war veterans; another wants to get a scoop for his newspaper, and one wants to sell the treasure to enemy foreign powers. Though they eventually find it, all their efforts end up in vain. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
This unrealistic, routine drama is the second half of a story that began with Der Tiger von Eschnapur. This sequel was later cut slightly, combined with the first story then released in English as Journey to the Lost City. Both halves were written by Thea von Harbou and the 1959 films are both directed by Fritz Lang, von Harbou's former husband. In this continuation, Seetha (Debra Paget) and the architect Harald (Paul Hubschmid) have fallen in love. The biggest stumbling block to their romance is Chandra, the Maharaja of Eshnapur (Walther Reyer). He wants Seetha for himself. Because of that, the lovers fled from Eshnapur and are now being hunted by the Maharaja's henchmen. That leads to inevitable killings, cruelties, and inhuman conduct until the Maharaja himself is the only one left who can right the situation. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Debra Paget, Paul Christian, (more)
A longtime "dream" project of production designer-turned-director Eugene Lourie, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms sees the titular beast unleashed on the world via nuclear testing. Making its way from the Arctic Circle, the monster-a carnivorous "rhedosaurus"-begins advancing towards New York. It stomps its way around Wall Street, pausing to have a policeman for lunch. By the time it has reached Coney Island, the rhedosaurus is more of a danger than ever because of the deadly bacteria it carries within its system. It's up to researcher Paul Christian and sharpshooter Lee Van Cleef to try to liquidate the beast with a grenade chock full of radioactive isotopes. Beast From 20,000 Fathoms represented effects artist Ray Harryhausen's first solo effort, after assisting Willis O'Brien on Mighty Joe Young (1949). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Christian, Paula Raymond, (more)
- 1952
Swiss-German leading actor Paul Hubschmid was still going by his Hollywood-engendered moniker of Paul Christian when he starred in Palace Hotel. The scene is a lavish Swiss resort hotel, where a multitude of subplots wend their way through the corridors. The principal characters include Kaethe Gold as an Austrian chambermaid who pines for her long-missing son; Gustav Knuth as a very proper butler who loses his inhibitions on New Year's Eve; and, of course, Paul Christian, cast as an amorous waiter. Most of the film was lensed on location in St. Moritz. Palace Hotel was the first dramatic feature from the Swiss documentary firm Gloriafilm. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anne Marie Blanc, Paul Christian, (more)
- 1952
Basically a low-budget reworking of Ninotchka, this romantic comedy drama contains a strong anti-communist message as it tells the story of a Czechoslovakian secretary and the government official she works for. Both are loyal party members, particularly the secretary. One day, her boss, having just returned from a visit to the US is assigned to test his secretary to insure that she is immune to the lure of capitalism and materialism. At first, when her boss begins to shower her with such decadent gifts as make-up and a beautiful evening gown, she is shocked and afraid that he has become a traitor. Still he continues to give her such luxuries as bubble bath and even nylon stockings. Much to her chagrin, the woman begins to like these things and sure enough her party values crumble. By this time, her boss has fallen in love with her and rather than turn her in for treachery, he decides to defect to Austria with her. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Viveca Lindfors, Paul Christian, (more)
- 1949
Maureen O'Hara plays the daughter of a Sheikh who returns from being educated in London, only to find her father is dead and his palace looted. Handsome Paul Christian is suspected of the murder, as is lecherous pasha Vincent Price, but the real villain may be one of the Sheikh's most trusted aides. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Maureen O'Hara, Paul Christian, (more)
