Einer Frau muß man alles verzeih'n: A Charming, Dusty Mess

Is it worth the watch?

If you have a soft spot for pre-war German comedies where everyone is shouting or singing badly, you might get a kick out of Einer Frau muß man alles verzeih'n. It’s light, it’s fluffy, and it’s mostly just people running around trying to dodge a bad marriage. If you’re looking for high drama, stay far away. If you want to see a woman in a truly heinous dress, you’re in luck.

The whole plot hinges on Brunhilde trying to make herself look as unappealing as humanly possible to scare off a suitor. It’s a simple premise, but it works because the stakes feel remarkably low. Nobody is saving the world here. They are just trying to keep the piano teacher happy.

Oddly specific observations

• The dress in question really is something else. It looks like it was stitched together in the dark.
• The piano teacher character? He’s got that specific kind of frantic energy that only shows up in movies from this era.
• I’m pretty sure I saw a background actor looking directly into the lens for a solid three seconds. It’s hilarious.

There is a scene in the second act where the singing starts, and, honestly, I felt my ears twitch. It’s loud. It’s piercing. It’s exactly what the scene needed, but it’s still rough on the nerves. You can almost see the other actors trying not to break character while she belts out those notes.

It’s not as sharp as Moritz macht sein Glück, which captures that same frantic, lighthearted spirit but with a bit more focus. Here, things get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes a scene ends, and I’m left wondering if we actually needed that transition or if the editor just got bored.

Don't get me wrong, it’s not a masterpiece. It’s just a weird, little time capsule of people being silly in formal wear. Sometimes that’s enough for a Tuesday night. 🎞️

I found myself thinking about how much film has changed since these days. No one takes themselves too seriously here, and that’s a relief. It’s nice to watch something that isn't trying to be the next big thing. It’s just… a movie.

Final thought: The music is loud, the plot is thin, and I enjoyed every bit of the chaos. Just don't expect it to change your life.