I haven't seen many Argentinian movies, but this 1947 adaptation of a German novel seems to me a true jewel of a film. Everything is correct from the historical point of view (late nineteenth century) from streets, to houses, to carriages, to props. Even the lighting falls over everything with a distinct nineteenth century languor thanks to gas light.
The photography is exceptional, unfortunately I saw a mediocre copy. For some inexplicable reason, Argentina seems to be totally indifferent to the preservation of its more than rich film legacy.
This is a very dark story, almost black, with the fatal consequences of mistaken identities unleashing heavy penalties for all involved in the drama.
Mirtha Legrand makes a complete switch from her previous frivolous 1940s blond Bimbo image to become this demure nineteenth century heroine, with dark hair, long and abundant tight curls framing her lovely face and yards and yards of fabric for her nineteenth century garments.
The film is mainly supported by the three main male characters, superb all of them and Mirtha is the "victim" of an almost unforgivable mistake (it could have happened in "Tom Jones", but there as hilarious comedy), a mistake that you have to see to believe!!
Anyhow, if we will dissect the plot of every movie we see, none of them will endure more than the first few minutes of the projection. Just watch this movie, very enjoyable precisely because of that incredible faux pas.
