Jan und die Schwindlerin

There's a great deal of excitement on a small North Sea island: A millionairess has arrived, accompanied by her elderly secretary. No one knows why the lady is vacationing here of all places. It's particularly strange that Ellinor, as the sophisticated city woman is called, is snooping around everywhere. She's being watched suspiciously by all the islanders. But it's all just a game! In reality, the elderly secretary is a millionaire – his name is Jan Remmers, and he left his home island many years ago to pursue a career overseas. Now he's returned, but he doesn't want to reveal his identity until he's found out whether the community would welcome him warmly even without his millions. Unfortunately, Remmers discovers that no one is expecting him in his old home: His former fiancée, Berta, has married the fisherman Hinnerk, and his son, Peter, is a very independent engineer. Proud of his son, Remmers is secretly supporting a major construction project Peter is working on.

Directed by Hans Weißbach, Jan und die Schwindlerin leans on a strong ensemble — Gerty Soltau, Walther Suessenguth, Ursula von Bose — 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 1947.