Die Nacht der Entscheidung

After the death of his wife and mother of his 17-year-old daughter Gisela, Consul Brückmann is now in his second marriage to the beautiful Peruvian Tessa. She is only ten years older than Gisela, and the two have a very friendly relationship. At a ball, Gisela dances with the charming Fernando Alvarez, but she shows no interest in his advances. Tessa, however, recognizes her childhood sweetheart in him. The consul invites Fernando to his table, but neither of them let on. When Alvarez later comes to her house on business, Brückmann is absent and Tessa gives in to his advances. They plan to return home together. Tessa then learns that the train she thought her husband was on has derailed. Now she knows that she still loves him. When he stands in front of her, she tells him everything. Deeply hurt, he wants to let her go. Only Gisela manages to bring them back together.

Directed by Nunzio Malasomma, Die Nacht der Entscheidung leans on a strong ensemble — Pola Negri, Iván Petrovich, Hans Zesch-Ballot — 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 1938.