Leutnant Bobby, der Teufelskerl

Magical. Under Georg Jacoby, the trio of Gustav Fröhlich, Lída Baarová and Adele Sandrock is simply unbeatable. Following the success of Barcarole, the Baarová/Fröhlich duo, a veritable new dream couple of German cinema, was introduced in an Austrian romantic comedy. The material more resembles Czech films in which Baarová had previously acted, and perhaps that's why it feels more natural here. She isn't a fatal woman, she's "only" a very beautiful (and modern) young widow, Lady Milton. Fröhlich plays the classic game of "I am someone else," and for most of the story, Baarová's character sees him as a coachman who isn't socially worthy of her. The story takes place in London, with scenes alternating between a period masquerade ball, the English countryside, and splendid interiors. Baarová wears a range of splendid outfits, including an aviation jumpsuit. There are many attractions here; the humor is provided by the eloquent Sandrock (Baarová gets along with her as well as with Antonie Nedošinská) as Countess von Norfolk, and the duo of footman and maid played by Rudolf Carl and Grit von Elben. (23.09.2009)