Ein Lied geht um die Welt: Tiny Guy, Big Voice, Old Venice

Should you watch Ein Lied geht um die Welt? Only if you have a thing for 1930s German musicals or really, really want to hear Joseph Schmidt hit some impossible notes. If you’re looking for a tight plot or character growth, you’re going to be bored out of your mind. It’s basically a delivery system for songs, and if the songs aren't your vibe, you're toast. 🎶

The whole movie feels like it was filmed in a postcard shop. Venice looks lovely, sure, but it’s mostly just a backdrop for these three guys to pace around and look hungry. Schmidt is clearly the star, and the camera lingers on him in a way that feels almost awkward, especially when he’s standing next to people who are a head and a half taller than him.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Ein Lied geht um die Welt (1933) through its definitive frames.

There’s this one scene where he’s trying to woo someone, and the height difference is just… well, you can't look away. It’s not necessarily bad, just strikingly odd. The movie doesn't even try to hide it. It leans into it.

The pacing is a total mess. Sometimes things happen way too fast, and other times we’re just sitting in a room watching people talk about money they don't have. It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in Chickens Come Home, though without the slapstick rhythm that actually works. Here, it just feels like everyone is waiting for the next musical number to start.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Ein Lied geht um die Welt (1933) through its definitive frames.

Is it actually good? Not really. But there's something honest about how much it wants to showcase that voice. It isn't trying to be deep or intellectual, which is a relief compared to a lot of stuff that ends up on my watchlist. It’s just a guy singing his heart out in Italy while his friends struggle to keep up.

Some thoughts from the couch:

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Ein Lied geht um die Welt (1933) through its definitive frames.

• The sound quality is surprisingly sharp for something this old.
• The supporting cast mostly exists to nod and look confused.
• That one street performance scene goes on for an eternity.
• I’m still not sure if the romance was meant to be taken seriously or if it was just a plot filler.

It definitely isn't a masterpiece. It feels like a project held together by glue and hope, but at least it has a heartbeat. If you’ve seen The Dentist, you’ll know how jarring 1930s editing can be, and this movie has that same rough, jumpy feel. It doesn't quite flow, but it doesn't really need to.

Honestly? Just turn it on, listen to the singing, and ignore the plot gaps. The gaps are the best part anyway. 🍕