Fred Liewehr Movies
- 1958
The English-language title of this colorful Austrian operetta is Trees Are Blooming in Vienna. Johanna Matz stars as Lixie Haertel, a plain-Jane who is "beautified" by romance. In time-honored operetta tradition, the love of Lixie's life happens to be a member of the royal family -- to be exact, Archduke Peter (Gerhard Riedmann). The course of true love never runs very smoothly, but no matter how dire the circumstances, the leading characters always find time to break into song. Adapted from a stage play by Rudolf Oesterreicher and Siegfried Geyer, Im Prate Bluch'n Wieder die Baueme benefits from the lilting musical score of Robert Stolz and the cinematography of Willi Sohm. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Johanna Matz, Gerhard Riedmann, (more)
- 1958
Based on the popular Franz Werfel novel, Der Vernuntreute Himmel (The Embezzled Heaven) was deftly directed with both eyes on the box office by operetta specialist Ernst Marischka. Annie Rosar heads the cast as the naively pious Aunt Teta, who is certain that she will be assured a place in heaven by performing one good deed. That deed is to bestow her life savings upon her spoiled-rotten nephew Mojmir (Kurt Meisel) so that he may be able to afford to study for the priesthood. Of course, Mojmir has no such intentions, but he's certainly not above taking Aunt Teta's money. The melodramatic machinations of the storyline are largely forgotten during the film's spectacular climax, largely shot on location inside the Vatican. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Annie Rosar, Hans Holt, (more)
- 1954
Filmed in 1954 as Madchenjahre einer Konigin, The Story of Vickie stars 16-year-old Romy Schneider as England's soon-to-be Queen Victoria. Purportedly based on the Queen's diary and letters, the story concerns the early romance between "Vickie" and her beloved Prince Albert (Adrian Hoven). When first she meets Albert, Vickie has no idea that he is her betrothed, thus she delights in embarking upon a "forbidden" love affair. Enlivening the film is the young princess' frisky unwillingness to conform to Royal protocol--until it becomes utterly necessary for her to do so. Those who question the casting of an Austrian actress as Victoria should be reminded that the real Queen was also of Teutonic heritage. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Romy Schneider, Adrian Hoven, (more)
- 1951
The story of Maria Theresia of the old Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg regime is reverently brought to the screen in this lengthy biopic. The title character is played by Paula Wessely, who also produced the film. Wessely's portrayal of Maria Theresia as a woman motivated by envy and revenge enlivens an otherwise plodding script. Of the supporting players, only Otto Tressler, Cees Laseur and Rosa Albach Retty managed to avoid being outshone by the star. Though Paula Wessely had been making films since 1934, Maria Theresia was the first occasion in which she controlled every aspect of production. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Fred Liewehr
- 1950
Popular Austrian operetta star Marika Rockk does not disappoint her fans in Das Kind der Donau. Though a bit long in tooth for her role, Rockk is reasonably convincing as Marika, the daughter of Danube boatmaster Christof Josef Egger. While singing to herself one day, Marika is discovered by a journalist Karl Straup who is so entranced by her beauty and talent that he puts up his own money to build an opera company around her. A few minor complications later, Marika and the journalist head for the altar. It was still possible to pull off a hackneyed plot like this one in 1950, especially with the stunning Marika Rockk in the lead. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Fred Liewehr, Josef Egger, (more)
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