Gustav Waldau Movies

Maria Schell, who attained international stardom with her performance in The Last Bridge, essays the title role in Angelika. Based on a popular radio serial, the story revolves around the incurably ill daughter of wealthy Herr Alberti (Carl Wery). Angelika falls in love with her doctor, a young man named Holl (Dieter Borsche), who marries the girl out of pity. Only after developing a miracle serum that will save Angelika's life does Dr. Holl truly fall in love with her. The couple's future happiness is threatened by the presence of Holl's disgruntled fiancee Helga (Heidemaire Hatheyeer). Angelika was scripted by Thea von Harbou, best known for her 1920s and 1930s collaborations with her ex-husband, director Fritz Lang. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This 1943 film, produced at the UFA studios in West Germany, was refurbished by Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau Foundation to mark the 50th anniversary of that studio. The Nazi director of propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, wanted a big internationally acceptable production to celebrate the studio's 25th anniversary, and the Münchausen story was chosen. It was thought suitable for Germans of the time, because of the ridiculous light in which it shows other nationalities. Baron von Münchausen (1720-97) was an eccentric figure in European history, whose tall tales about his adventures rival anything to be found in the legends of Paul Bunyan, or of the classical figure of Odysseus; they are similar in tone to the stories in Gulliver's Travels. The Baron's tales have been favored reading by the young-at-heart for centuries. This film recounts some of the episodes from the Baron's "autobiographical" stories, which are set in the world of the eighteenth century. In the story, the Baron's 1940s descendant narrates some of the Baron's famous tales; it gradually becomes clear that the original Baron attained immortality, and that his modern descendant is actually the original Baron. The American-born director Terry Gilliam made another film based on these tales in 1988, also titled The Adventures of Baron Münchausen. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide

This melodious Beniamino Gigli movie vehicle was released in the U.S. as The Voice of the Heart. The famed Italian operatic tenor is cast as Gino Mari, a famed Italian operatic tenor. Falling in love with the regal Princess Helene (Geraldine Katt), Mari moves heaven and earth to be near her. While arranging a romantic tete-a-tete with the Princess, Mari makes the acquaintance of plain-Jane American tourist Mary Smith (Gina Falckenberger). He rebuffs her, only to discover after several reels of devastating setbacks that Mary is the true love of his life. And just in time, too: Princess Helene was on the verge of losing her true love, Prince Konstantin (Ferdinand Marian). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Maedchenjahre Einer Koenigen translates as The Girlhood of a Queen -- the queen in question being young British regent Victoria. As played by Jennie Jugo, Victoria is hardly prepared for the responsibilities attending her ascension to the throne at age 18. But she learns quickly, thanks in great part to her loyal court advisor Lord Melbourne (Otto Tressler). The only time she refuses to follow Melbourne's advice is when he arranges a marriage for her, but all this is forgotten when she falls in love with her husband-to-be Prince Albert (Friedrich Benfer) without being ordered to do so. In a few years, most German films would not treat their British characters as affectionately as those found in Maedchenjahre Einer Koenigen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Those Three About Christine is the English-language title of this compact little melodrama. Christine Biehler (Maria Andergast), a substitute teacher, is sent to an isolated village in the Black Forest. Amazingly, the petite young schoolmarm is able to keep her troublesome students in line, something none of her predecessors were able to do. Alas, she is far less successful in her own love life, unable to decide between her three most ardent suitors. When she finally does make a choice, it's the wrong one -- disastrously wrong. Die Drei Um Christine is very simple, very basic "audience" material, and quite well done. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The wintry mountainscapes of Bavaria provide the backdrop for this airy German comedy. The story is set in motion when young clerk Boenecke (Richard Romanowsky) accidentally delivers a check to the wrong bank. Boenecke's boss Schumann (Walter Steinbeck) suspects the clerk of embezzlement -- especially since our hero has taken off on an extended Alpine vacation with his sweetheart Hilde (Magda Schneider). Before this comic chain reaction can be straightened out, hero and heroine have become entangled with a gang of female pickpockets. Essentially a "moonlight and strudel" confection, Winterachtstraum was perfect escapist entertainment for Magda Schneider's legions of fans. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The title tells all in the German comedy Die Falsche Ehemann (The Wrong Husband). As can be gathered, it's a mistaken-identity affair, with a married man being constantly mistaken for his unmarried twin brother. Star Johannes Riemann spends most of the picture running about in his underwear, which should give a good idea of the sort of subtle wit than can be expected here. The film was co-written by Billy Wilder, whose American comedies tended to avoid such obvious bedroom-farce cliches. As with most of his early screenwriting efforts, Wilder worked in collaboration with Paul Frank. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide