Hans Behrendt Movies
- 1935
Originally Gruene Ist Die Heide, this German romantic drama was based on a novel by Hermann Loens. The story centers upon a romance between a handsome young forest ranger and his lady friend. Having spent several years trying to track down a mysterious poacher, our hero is taken aback when he discovers that the man he's looking for is the heroine's father. Rather than run off to parts unknown, the poacher elects to make amends to those he's wronged. Ironically, the old man is killed while trying to prevent another poacher from stealing a prize doe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Camilla Spira, Theodor Loos, (more)
- 1932
The "office manager" of the title is Joachim Reinsnagel, played by Felix Bressart. Employed by lawyer Fritz Barke (Herman Thimig), Joachim takes a special interest in one of his boss' clients, the beautiful Katrin (Margot Walter). In his efforts to put Katrin's finances in order, our hero inadvertently sets the stage for a compromising situation between the girl and the innocent Herr Barke. Mrs. Barke (Julia Serda) very nearly files for divorce, but Joachim pulls off a miraculous bit of chicanery and saves the day. Der Herr Buerovorsteher was based on a play by R. Bernauer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Felix Bressart, Hermann Thimig, (more)
- 1932
Sincere but klutzy bank employee Ernest Dumcke is in love with the wealthy and beautiful Maria Meisner. When Meisner and her father head off to a summer resort, Dumcke worshipfully follows after them. Unable to convince the father that he'd be a worthy son-in-law, our hero gets his chance when he finds out that a rich American with whom the father hopes to go into business is actually a penniless swindler. Dumcke pretends to befriend the fraudulent millionaire, then exposes him as a phony at just the right psychological moment. The music for Mein Freund der Millionaer was provided by Hans J. Salter, later a mainstay of Universal Pictures, where he wrote the unforgettable background score for Son of Frankenstein (1939). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hermann Thimig, Maria Meissner, (more)
- 1931
This pre-WW II German costume drama chronicles the French Revolution with a particular focus upon Danton, Robespierre, and Marat. They are seen preparing for and executing the revolution. The film also presents an interesting, if not historically inaccurate, portrayal of Louis XVI. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fritz Kortner, Gustaf Gründgens, (more)
- 1930
Kohlhiesel's Tochters (also known as Gretel and Liesl) was a remake of a 1919 Ernst Lubitsch silent film which had starred Emil Jannings as the romantic lead. Fritz Kampers assumes the Jannings role in the 1930 version, and while critics felt that he wasn't quite as talented as his predecessor, all agreed that Kampers did full justice to the part. The plot centers on innkeeper Kohlhiesel's daughters, the beautiful Liesl and the homely Gretel. Both sisters are played by Henni Porten, repeating her role -- or roles -- from the original silent. The local butcher (Kampers) wants to marry Liesl, but Kohlhiesel refuses to bless their union until he finds a husband for older sister Gretel. Callously, the butcher proposes to Gretel, intending to divorce her and then marry Liesl. But guess what happens instead. By the time the talkie version of Kohlhiesel's Tochters went before the cameras, Ernst Lubitsch had relocated to Hollywood, leaving Hans Behrendt to take over the directorial reins. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Henny Porten, Fritz Kampers, (more)
