Un baiser aux enchères

Very entertaining this Austrian screwball comedy. It is not very different of the best American comedies of the Thirties. You have to follow the plot with some attention because it is full of characters and situations that slowly build the many misunderstandings, lies, and, obviously, a couple of romances. A tailcoat taken by mistake is in this entertaining movie an element of the utmost importance. There is also the well known but still very funny situation of the lover slapped by his sweetheart, who believes to be cheated by him (but she is not). The young Heinz Rühmann gives his best, together with the other actors. Director E. W. Emo confirms and improves the skills he showed in Himmel Auf Erden (1935). Do not brood over the year 1936 and the black and white, and watch this funny comedy. You will not be disappointed.

Very well written script with enough complications in the mix-up of identities and full of unexpected turns in the plot and very clever dialogue make a wonderful, fast-paced and hilarious comedy that had me roaring with laughter. Emo, one of the best comedy directors of the German/Austrian cinema, again directs with light touch and this one is one of his best.

Emo frequently worked with Heinz Rühmann, Theo Lingen and Hans Moser and this is the 2nd of four films with all three present. These three under the direction of Emo must have been a golden combination. All three are brilliant and get all the space they need to show their own specific comic talent. Some of the remarks of Hans Moser to his wife (a very good Annie Rosar) are not to be believed; when she shows herself with a new dress on, he says: You're looking bombasticly!

Music and the title song by Robert Stolz add to the fun.