Mit der Liebe spielt man nicht

Hotel manager Lis has loved the doctor Dr. med. Peter Arco since her childhood, who could theoretically be her father, still sees a child in her and is also the best friend of her brother Georg. Since Peter lives alone as a confirmed bachelor, Lis thinks of a ruse. She claims to be pregnant, but to have long since left the father of the unborn child. Georg, who wants to run for mayor in the next election, could cost his almost secure position with an illegitimate child in the family. Lis convinces him that one of his best friends should be willing to marry her for a contractually agreed short period of time and then divorce her again after the child is born. She suggests Peter, of whom she has a portrait, to whom she talks secretly. Georg persuades Peter to marry Lis and he stands by his friend ...

Directed by Hans W. Busse, Mit der Liebe spielt man nicht leans on a strong ensemble — Johanna Liebeneiner, Harald Juhnke, Robert Klupp — 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 romance titles of 1973.