Sonntagskinder

Alexander and Poldi, the “Sunday Children”, work as a headwaiter and servant in the Palasthotel in a southern German spa resort. Like many people, they dream of one day being rich. But when their lottery ticket actually wins, their friendship is destroyed, when it turns out, that Poldi stopped buying tickets to save money. Both then fall in love with beautiful Steffi, whose aunt won’t hear of anything other than a marriage to a rich man. Steffi gives her heart to poor Alex, while Poldi actually receives a fortune. When a crook ends up taking his money away, Alex helps Poldi to convict the fraudster and get his money back.

Directed by Jürgen von Alten, Sonntagskinder leans on a strong ensemble — Theo Lingen, Rudolf Platte, Johannes Riemann — 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 1941.