Summary
After his musical gets absolutely shredded by the critics, a writer named Erich takes a trip to a weird castle in Tyrol to clear his head. He ends up hanging out with the Baron's daughter, Loni, and they basically roleplay their way into a new, successful show about 19th-century French soldiers and local romance.
Synopsis
Author and actor Erich Remberg learns from his producer that his musical has been panned by the Viennese critics, who seem to prefer more romantic and less sexy productions these days. In order to find the inspiration to write an operetta, Erich goes with his friend Peppi to the von Keller castle in Tyrol. They are greeted by the eccentric Baron von Keller, who proudly shows them nonexistent antiques that only he can see. While investigating some strange noises he's heard in the middle of the night, Erich meets von Keller's daughter Loni, who is also curious about the room. She shows him a painting representing the Napoleonic invasion of Austria and tells him of her great-grandaunt, who scandalized the family. Erich imagines the scene with Loni playing the role of the baroness of the von Keller castle and himself as her French lover: Back in 1809, a French colonel insists on quartering at the von Keller home, and Loni dines with the invaders with reluctance. Lieutenant Pierre Laval approaches her later with romantic propositions, and she tells him that she will always be faithful to Augusto, an Austrian nobleman, who is away fighting the Napoleonic armies. However, she allows Pierre to woo her at a dance in the village, and when the French soldiers are ordered to retreat, Pierre chooses to stay behind with Loni. As the Austrians approach, Loni fears for Pierre's safety, and when Augusto and her father, the baron, arrive home, Pierre hides. Augusto proposes, but Loni is indifferent. Pierre disguises himself as the new butler and then convinces Loni to escape with him to the French encampment. The fleeing couple are caught trying to cross the Austrian lines, and Pierre reveals his true identity as one of Napoleon's men. Augusto orders Pierre's arrest, but two shots ring out, signaling a truce. The scene now shifts to a Viennese theatre, where Erich and Loni act out their roles in Erich's smash romantic musical. While taking their curtain calls, Erich and Loni joyfully announce their upcoming wedding to the audience.
Review Excerpt
"Is this thing worth your time?
Look, if you want something that feels like a warm, slightly dusty blanket from a different century, sure. It’s got that specific musical-comedy energy that doesn't really exist anymore. But if you’re looking for a plot that actually holds water, or characters that make sense for more than five minutes at a time, you’re gonna be bored. It’s perfect for a rainy Sunday where you want to turn your brain off but keep your ears busy.
The whole setup with the Baron show..."
