The Golden Mask

The gifted painter Alexander Poschinger receives a financial windfall. His friends Paul and Sepp, both painters, too, aren't in the slightest bit surprise by his success, since he only paints rich women. These women come to Alexander, because whomever he paints looks pretty on the canvas. But valauble paintings from an earlier time show quite well what Alexander is capable of. In a shopping center, Alexander makes the acquaintanceship of a women, with whom he immediately falls in love. She, however, disappears --- and didn't even give him his name (ah, true, deep love). A short time later, he sees her again at a Fasching ball. She is wearing a golden mask, which practically hides her entire face. This supposedly unknown woman falls in love with Alexander and becomes his lover the next day.

Directed by Hans H. Zerlett, The Golden Mask leans on a strong ensemble — Albert Matterstock, Karl Schönböck, Fita Benkhoff — 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.