Adrian Hoven Movies
Austrian actor/director Adrian Hoven made his earliest known screen appearance in 1947. For the next 35 years, he was seen in scores of European melodramas and horror films, as well as more prestigious efforts like the 15-hour TV miniseries Berlin Alexanderplatz (1981). He has also served as producer for the 1967 films Necronomicon and Burn Witch Burn. In addition, Adrian Hoven has occasionally tried his hand at screenwriting under the nom de plume of Percy Parker. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
In this adventure, seven women graduate from a ritzy Swiss boarding school and decide to board a cargo boat for a little cruise. They end up partying with the ship's crew. They are docked in South America when the women encounter a young man in charge of a meteorological station on a remote Amazon island. There his father located a downed plane carrying gold bars. The son goes to the mainland to report the find, but unfortunately a mobster overhears his conversation, rushes out to the island and kills the father. The son escapes, but the crook captures some of the young women who fight both for their lives and for their virtue. Fortunately, they are saved by the young man and the rest of the women. In the ensuing struggle, the gangster escapes, but he is then killed by the police. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1961
Even while a series of British second features based on the works of Edgar Wallace was flourishing in the 1960s, Germany was grinding out its own Wallace series. Secret of the Red Orchid top-bills British actor Christopher Lee in a story of a joint effort between the FBI and Scotland Yard. The target of these combined forces is a far-reaching crime syndicate. The stellar international cast includes Klaus Kinski (a semi-regular in the Wallace series), Marissa Mell, and silent film veteran Fritz Rasp. Secret of the Red Orchid was originally titled Puzzle of the Red Orchid. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
This comical presentation is a re-make from the 1952 classic and has everyone chasing everyone! In German only. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1960
Albert Lieven plays German general Erwin Rommel in this British war drama set in Libya and Egypt. A spy working on behalf of Rommel slips behind British lines and swipes "valuable" battle plans. Actually the information is false, planted by counterintelligence in hopes of misleading the "desert fox". Based on a true story, Foxhole in Cairo is an instructive if not overly suspenseful history lesson. Keep an eye peeled for Michael Caine, billed 16th in the published cast list (but uncredited in many prints). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Robertson Justice, Adrian Hoven, (more)
- 1959
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
- 1959
The career of rocket scientist Wernher von Braun (Curt Jurgens) is the focus of this film. Supposedly bullied by the Nazis into working for the Third Reich, the end of the war leaves the rocket man with a decision to take his talents to either Russia or the United States. He chooses the U. S., but controversy follows the gifted scientist wherever he goes. Some resent his collaborations with the Nazis, while others in the government are more than willing to turn their heads in deference to his genius. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Curd Jürgens, Victoria Shaw, (more)
- 1959
When African tribes need to unite to confront corrupt slave traders, a police official gets help from a teenager who might be able to help. (AKA Jungle Girl and the Slaver) ~ All Movie Guide
- 1958
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
- Starring:
- Adrian Hoven, Erika Remberg, (more)
- 1957
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
- Starring:
- Adrian Hoven, Erika Remberg, (more)
- 1956
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
- Starring:
- Adrian Hoven, Marianne Hold, (more)
- 1955
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
- 1955
One of several films helmed by internationally renowned actor-director Fritz Kortner after his return to Germany in 1947, Die Stadt ist Voller Geheimnisse was released in English-speaking countries as Secrets of the City, City of Secrets and This Town is Full of Secrets. Adapted from a stage play by Curt J. Braun, the film takes place in a mid-sized German industrial town. When the local factory closes its doors, the townsfolk are thrown into confusion and dismay. The story concentrates on a dozen laid-off workers, relating their individual life stories and detailing their hopes, aspiration and fears. Though the ensemble acting is excellent, Die Stadt ist Voller Geheimnisse might have been more effective had it dealt with fewer characters. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Karl Ludwig Diehl, Werner Fuetterer, (more)
- 1955
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
- Starring:
- Rudolf Prack, Adrian Hoven, (more)
- 1955
Solange du Lebst (As Long as You Live) is set during the Spanish Civil War. Though most of the citizens of a small Spanish town evacuate before the arrival of the Communist troops, nurse Marianne Koch elects to remain behind. She eventually falls in love with a downed German pilot, despite the political ramifications of this romance. Though Marianne Koch received several awards for her performance, many male viewers were more interested in her sexier costar Karin Dor, cast as the daughter of the village mayor. Solange du Lebst was released worldwide by RKO Radio Pictures. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marianne Koch, Adrian Hoven, (more)
- 1954
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
- Starring:
- Maria Schell, Heidemarie Hatheyer, (more)
