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Cast
Zarah Leander
as Katharina Alexandrowna Murakina
Marika Rökk
as Tänzerin Nastassja Petrowna Jarowa
Hans Stüwe
as Peter Iljitsch Tschaikowsky
Aribert Wäscher
as Michael Iwanowitsch Murakin
Paul Dahlke
as Musikverleger Iwan Cäsarowitsch Glykow
Leo Slezak
as Prof. Maxililian Hunsinger
Fritz Rasp
as Kritiker Porphyr Philippowitsch Kruglikow
Kurt Vespermann
as Ferdyschtschenko
Eduard Bornträger
as Schwager Jarow
Hugo Froelich
as Vater Jarow
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1939
Runtime1h 34m
LanguageGerman
CertificationNR
GenresDrama
Votes6
DirectorCarl Froelich
WritersGéza von Cziffra
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsIt Was a Gay Ballnight
About It Was a Gay Ballnight
1865. Katharina goes to a ball in Moscow. There she meets again Tchaikowsky, her first and only love. The young, who is now married to wealthy Michael Iwanowitsch Murakin, a man she does not love, has not forgotten Piotr Illich, the (not yet) famous composer. Both are still in love with each other but Piotr is engaged to Nastassia, a dancer, while for her part Katharina cannot leave her husband. Tchaikowky's first love then decides to sacrifice her happiness to the success of the composer, sponsoring him in secret. Something Piotr will learn only years after. When Katharina finds herself free at last it is too late: Tchaikowsky is dying of cholera and she only has time to close his eyes.
Directed by Carl Froelich, It Was a Gay Ballnight leans on a strong ensemble — Zarah Leander, Marika Rökk, Hans Stüwe — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1939.
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