Rauschende Melodien

A close film adaptation of Johann Strauss' "Fledermaus". Notary Falke uses Prince Orlofsky's ball, at which the distinguished gentlemen of Viennese society enjoy themselves with the opera's ballet girls, to take revenge on Dr. Eisenstein, who once embarrassed him after a drinking bout. Falke also invites Eisenstein's wife Rosalinde. During the lavish party, Eisenstein courts his own wife, who is disguised as a Hungarian countess. In the morning, he hurries to prison to serve a short sentence. His indignation is great when a Dr. Eisenstein is already sitting there. He had been taken from his wife's arms the night before. He makes a scene for Rosalinde, but she convicts him of infidelity with the Hungarian countess.

Directed by Ernst W. Fiedler, Rauschende Melodien leans on a strong ensemble — Erich Arnold, Jarmila Kšírová, Gerd Frickhöffer — 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 music titles of 1955.