Adrian Hoven Movies

This German melodrama is set in the Paris of some hundred years ago. It is a tale of two brothers: Robert (Paul Dahlke), a gentleman thief, and Pierre (Richard Haueseler), a less gentlemanly prefect of police. It is understood that neither brother will intrude upon the province of the other. But rules are made to be broken, especially when women are involved. Kaethe Dorsch delivers the film's best performance as Robert and Pierre's mother. There are subplots aplenty during the film's 100-minute running time, but things never get too confusing, not even in the English-dubbed version. Der Bagnostraefling was written and directed by Gustav Froelich, a well-known German actor whose previous credits included Fritz Lang's Metropolis, ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Originally released in Europe as simply Tromba, this German melodrama was distributed in the U.S. by Lippert Studios. The title character, played by Rene Deltgren, is a circus tiger trainer. To keep his beasts in line, Tromba utilizes hypnotism. This works so well on the job that Tromba begins mesmerizing women to do his bidding. To do this, he employs a special drug, a fact that proves to be his undoing when one of his castoff mistresses wreaks a terrible revenge. Most of Tromba was filmed through the auspices of the Krone Circus of Germany. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The name of Austrian director Ernst Marischka was virtually synonymous with "musical comedy" during the late 1940s - early 1950s. In Marischka's Season in Salzburg, the music is given equal footing with the comedy, resulting in a very well-balanced film. Popular leading-lady Hannerl Matz portrays a much-coveted miss who undergoes several romantic misadventures during the Salzburg tourist season. While Matz is most delightful, her male co-stars tend to be on the stodgy side. Season in Salzburg is adapted from the stage operetta by Max Wallner and Kurt Feltz. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

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

O.E. Hasse stars in this "retro" German historical biography as Admiral Canaris, who during WW2 was the man in charge of Germany's home defenses. The film takes great pains to point out the Admiral's essential dislike of Nazism, suggesting that he was sympathetic to the aims of the German underground, even though he himself could not participate. In 1944, Canaris joins the plot to overthrow Hitler, ending up in a concentration camp when the military coup fails. The villain of the piece is Obergruppenfuehrer Heydrich (Martin Held), whose assassination in Czechoslovakia prompted the German high command to order the liquidation of the town of Lidice--thereby thoroughly souring Admiral Canaris on the Hitler regime. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In this German espionage film, made after WW II, the life of Admiral Canaris, the former head of Nazi counterintelligence, is profiled. Much of the focus is upon the Admiral's gradual disenchantment with Hitler's vision. As the war progresses, Canaris begins looking into anti-Hitler organizations. It is only in 1944 that he grows angry at the destruction of Germany and commits himself to overthrowing Hitler. He fails and ends up losing his rank and being sentenced to a concentration camp. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Heimatland (Homeland) is based on Krambambuli, a novel by Maria von Ebner-Eschenbachs. Krambambuli is the name of the pet dog owned by hero Thomas Helmberg (Rudolf Frack). As Thomas pursues his romance with Helga Sonnleithner (Marianne Hold), he is thwarted at every turn by his rival for Helga's hand, Hans Bachinger (Adrian Hoven). In a parallel development, Krambambuli likewise battles for the affections of a female pooch. So important is the dog to the proceedings that the animal portraying Krambambuli--whose name, believe it or not, was Hatti von Fernstein--is given special billing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The wartime song hit Lili Marlene is woven into the plotline of this German romantic drama. The story concerns a German soldier named Franz (Adrian Hoven) and his lady love Christa (Marianne Hold). When first they met in a restaurant, the orchestra was playing Lili Marlene. Then and there, the two lovers promised to think of each other whenever they heard "their" song in the future. Alas, it appears at war's end that Christa has not upheld her end of the bargain -- in fact, she seems to have shifted her affections to another song, and another man. Somehow, a happy ending emerges from this emotional crisis. It should be noted that the Paul Verhoeven listed as director of Wie Einst Lili Marlene is not the 1990s action director of the same name. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The indefatigable Willi Forst was back in 1957 with Die Unentschuldigte Stunde (The Unexcused Hour). Following his usual pattern, Forst not only directed the picture, but also collaborated on the screenplay. Based on the popular stage play by Stefan Bekeffi and A. Stella, the story concerns a pretty young student (Erika Remberg) who marries her professor (Adrian Hoven). Our heroine continues pursuing her academic career, causing all sorts of complications for her husband. The film's title refers to the fact that student and teacher can never enjoy a moment alone -- unless it is an "unexcused absence." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

As can be gathered from its title, which translates to Vienna, City of My Dreams, this film is an old-fashioned Austrian comedy with operatic undertones. Hans Holt stars as the obligatory incognito king, in this case one "Alexander of Alania." Escaping a revolution, Alexander takes a job as chauffeur in his own country's embassy in Vienna. Gaining popularity for this move, the King is invited by popular demand to return to his throne. By this time, he has fallen in love with pretty commoner Elisabeth Seyboldt (Hertha Feller), while Alexander's one-time fiancee, Princess Sandra (Erika Remberg), has found happiness in the arms of music teacher Peter Lehnert (Adrian Hoven,the story's nominal hero). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

When African tribes need to unite to battle evil slave traders, a police officer searches for a teenager who might be able to rally the people. (AKA Nature Girl and the Slaver) ~ All Movie Guide