Gastspiel im Paradies

Resolute Ellen takes over the operations of the Grand Hotel "Paradise" from her father and immediately goes into action to increase profits. The first thing she does is turn off the flow of money to a theatre her father was financially sponsoring. Then she throws the charming flirt Count Wetterstein out on his ass after not having paid his hotel bill for two weeks. The alleged count takes on a position as a waiter in the "Paradise" and as Ellen has, in the meantime, fallen for him, she puts him in a managerial position, where he can't so easily flirt with other women. But Wetterstein is being pursued both by the police and creditors and disappears in quick order once again.

Directed by Karl Hartl, Gastspiel im Paradies leans on a strong ensemble — Hilde Krahl, Albert Matterstock, Georg Alexander — 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 comedy titles of 1938.