Top grade, mature, controlled and moving melodrama based on a wonderful script (written by the director); comparison with Detlev Sierck's melodramas is not too far fetched. Fine and at some moments brilliant cinematography and very satisfactory direction make this film a visual delight: the film flows at a steady speed with just the right tempo and rhythm. While most "hospital melodramas" focus on improbable sentimentality, this one uses the surroundings only to focus on feelings. Judging from this one it seems a shame that Hofmann only directed a handful of films.
There are several nice touches in the script and every character is well developed. A very good solution for telling the doctor that Angelika is in love with another, was found in the clock; no dialogue here, but just the clock standing between them and the looks at each other conveying what has happened; one of the best scenes in the film. Very strong too: the ex-wife of the doctor wants to reconcile and thus she plays a major part in the choices he has to make; she thereby is an important person in the action, but she is never seen, we only hear from her via the son.
The relation between woman and man may be old fashioned in the meaning of: being of the norm of the 30's (not typically German, by the way), but Angelika does say crucial lines to both the men who are in love with her: (not verbatim) Why do you love me?; the one has known me for 3 years and the other for only one day and both of you do not know anything about me. Both do not know the answer.
Director Bernd Hofmann is supported by a brilliant cast with Leny Marenbach giving one of her best performances stealing the heart of the viewer. Her male partners Hartmann and Söhnker are equally fine and Hofmann does not forget to give the bit parts (I especially like the coachman) also body. Even Grethe Weiser is good - probably kept under control by Hofmann - as the necessary comedy relief.
