The Ballet Girl

The new artistic director Dr. Fersen is appointed at the princely court theater in Dillingen. He is not only attractive, but also a bachelor, which delights the local women. But even the men of the town suddenly show an affinity for the theater, as a new prima ballerina has been hired in the form of the dancer Ossi. Prince Adolf himself is delighted with Ossi and never misses one of her performances. The envious are not long in coming, especially the president of the Dillingen Women's Association is suspicious of the current events. This is hardly surprising, as an unwritten law in Dillingen states that the theater's prima ballerina must be married. This suits Ossi and Dr. Fersen, as the two have been seeing each other in secret for some time. The marriage is quickly arranged. The only downer for the couple is that the Dillinger's interest in art has suddenly disappeared. Lost.

Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, The Ballet Girl leans on a strong ensemble — Ossi Oswalda, Margarete Kupfer, Ferry Sikla — 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 1918.